Namibia: FEMCO Winds Down Emergency Operations

Francis Xoagub

18 July 2011

Oshakati — The Flood Emergency Management Coordination Office (FEMCO) in Oshakati officially closed its operations last week.

The office advised donors to channel their contributions through the Directorate of Disaster Risk Management (DDRM) in the Office of the Prime Minister in Windhoek.

News of the closure of the office was announced by FEMCO Coordinator and Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Colonel Clement Mwalalast week.

“Other structures exist within the Office of the Prime Minister and at regional level. We mention this because of the donors who are still willing to donate and who can do so through the said structures as there is still a dire need for relief support,” he added.

Mwala said apart from floods, Namibia is also affected by veld fires. He added that donations intended for specific regions should be made directly to regional emergency coordinating departments.

FEMCO was opened in April this year to mitigate and coordinate emergency services during the worst floods ever recorded in Namibia’s history.

Meanwhile, early last week, FEMCO received yet another donation from Road Contracting Company (RCC) valued at N$145000.

The donation included 1000 x 24 boxes of tinned fish to be distributed to flood victims in Caprivi, Kavango, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Omusati and Oshana regions.

Last month, RCC donated items valued at N$402245, which included 100000 water purification tablets, 1000 blankets, 1000 mattresses, 16 life jackets and 5 sub-missible pumps.

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