By Stefanus Nashama

Tensions are rising in the Moses ǁGaroëb constituency after several flood-affected residents claimed they were unfairly excluded from a food aid distribution programme facilitated by businesswoman Stina Wu and constituency officials. Last week, Wu, a Chinese entrepreneur, donated approximately 300 food parcels valued at N$40 000 to assist vulnerable residents struggling as a result of recent floods. 

The donation was distributed in collaboration with constituency councillor Stefanus Ndengu, who admitted that the relief was not enough to cater for all affected households. Meanwhile, residents from informal settlements have accused local leaders of favouritism and nepotism in the distribution process, alleging that only those known to community section leaders received assistance.

“Since I came to Ombili, I was never given food. But whenever there is food distribution, I only see the same people benefiting,” said Abed Amulungu, one of the affected residents. The residents are now calling for greater transparency in future aid efforts. They claim that consistent exclusion from relief efforts reflects a deeper issue of inequality and lack of accountability at local level.

In response, Ndengu explained that the food parcels were allocated based on lists provided by section leaders, with only six people per section benefits.  He emphasised that the parcels were not provided by the government but through private collaboration to support those most in need.

He further encouraged those who were left out, to approach his office to register for future assistance, although he noted that no food is currently available. “We also gave food to people under social support programmes, like those on daily medication,” Ndengu added.

Section leader Andreas Uugwanga said people are a lot, making it difficult to make selections for the list.
“Imagine dealing with thousands of people. Some of us tried our best to assess the situation and recognise those really in need,” said Uugwanga.