The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has sent emergency supplies to Namibia in response to the sustained torrential rains that have devastated vast parts of the country. The country has been suffering from heavy rains and flooding since the month of February.

Emergency supplies to the value of JPY 12 million (US$150,000) – including 940 blankets, 50 plastic sheets, 20 water tanks and 10 water purifiers – were dispatched from JICA’s Johannesburg warehouse and arrived in Namibia on 30 May.

A handover ceremony was held on the 31st. This was attended by Mr. Japhet Iitenge, Director of the Disaster and Risk Management Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister, Ms. Mweneni Shiweda, Foreign Relations Officer in Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JICA Resident Representative, Mr. Kikawa, and Mr. Sakamoto, Minister in the Embassy of Japan in South Africa.

During the ceremony, Japan expressed its gratitude to the people of Namibia for their support to victims of Japan’s earthquake crisis, and its sympathy for victims of Namibia’s floods.

In response, Mr. Iitenge expressed his gratitude for Japan’s relief efforts, and assured the prompt and sound delivery of relief goods to the region affected by the floods.

JICA will conduct necessary monitoring on the distribution of the emergency goods.