Anna Shilongo
9 May 2008
Windhoek — The Indian High Commissioner to Namibia Tsewanga Topden yesterday on behalf of his government contributed to easing the plight and wellbeing of the people in flood-stricken areas by donating close to N$2 million in cash.
This is so far the largest contribution towards flood victims, followed by N$1 million from Rössing Uranium Mine.
Officially handing over the donation, the Indian High Commissioner was hopeful the donation would go a long way in alleviating the condition in which flood victims find themselves.
"We couldn't stand still seeing and hearing with hands folded in our pockets, while there are people who need our support - it is in this vein that we decided to contribute to the flood victims," said Topden.
He said the donation is also in line with President Hifikepunye Pöohamba's call to international countries to assist families that are affected by the floods in the northern part of the country.
The Indian High Commissioner donated 10 million rupees, equivalent to N$1.8 million.
Receiving the donation, Prime Minister Nahas Angula welcomed the good gesture from the Indian Government.
Angula couldn't hide his joy when he received the donation. He assured the Indian High Commissioner that the donation would be put to good use in alleviating the plight of the flood victims in the northern part of the country.
"Thank you very much, in fact the donation came at the right time when Government was busy soliciting funds that will resettle the affected families," he stressed.
The relationship between Namibia and India dates back to before independence.
India was the first country to accord Swapo full diplomatic recognition during the liberation struggle at the time when Swapo was just a liberation movement.
Namibia had in fact an Embassy in India at that time and it was the only country which gave Swapo full recognition and support, while other countries regarded Swapo's diplomats as representatives.
At the same occassion a pensioner residing at an old age home in Swakopmud donated N$13 350 towards the flood victims.
Ninety-year-old Liese Lotte Frey, who handed her donation to the Republikein newspaper to give to the Prime Minister, said she couldn't stand reading about the conditions of people in flood-stricken areas.
She decided to donate N$7 000 from her own pocket and at the same time also solicited N$2 000 thorough her grandchild and a friend, as well as N$4 350 from Dordabis Farmers Union.
Angula received the donation, calling on members of parliament to emulate the good example of the pensioner.
Angula said they have set up a committee of parliamentarians to each donate N$1 000 to the flood victims but up to now only a few members have contributed to the committee, while others are still straggling.
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