Opuwo — The Epupa Constituency Councillor says the Etanga area has received very little rainfall this year and it is now becoming increasingly evident that the area faces a drought situation.

Nguzu Muharukua told Nampa last week that no official rainfall records of this year's rainfall in Etanga are available, but local farmers say there has been very little rain, and there is no sign of new or green grass in the area.

Etanga is situated about 100 kilometres west of Opuwo.

"The office of the Epupa Constituency Councillor is trying to engage the Emergency Management Unit (EMU) to let them know about the situation at Etanga and its surrounding areas so that Government can start planning for assistance in the form of food for people and feed for livestock," said Muharukua.

Meanwhile, the Senior Councillor of the Kakurukouje Traditional Authority, Karungojo Muhenje, told Nampa in a telephonic interview that the traditional authority is busy consulting with traditional leaders in the areas of Omusati and Kunene that have received good rains for a possible grazing agreement for their farmers.

Muhenje said they are convinced that Etanga is going through a drought period, especially as the usual 'rainy season' there is nearing its end, and no major rainfall has yet been experienced there.

"We usually get rain from November up to April every year, but now we are approaching April, and we literally did not receive rain up to now.

Even if we have to receive rain in April only, that would be of no use because no grass can grow and no gardens can be cultivated to produce food," he noted.

Drought in the area can, however, only be confirmed once it is inspected by extension officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and is certified as a drought.

Muharukua said if the farmers are to be assisted, water-points will have to be drilled for them in areas where grass grows.

NAMPA