Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Etunda (Agenzia Fides) - Almost 4 000 Angolans fleeing unemployment, drought and hunger in their own country, are currently in Etunda, in the Omusati region. The already poor conditions these migrants live in are now being exacerbated by adverse weather conditions. The makeshift camps in which these people live have been completely flooded since the start of the rainy season, and migrants' families are forced to stay in makeshift shelters or with families in the Etunda area. "Children in particular take very big risks", we read. "Three-week-old newborns sleep under wet blankets". The first group arrived in the region at the beginning of March this year to flee from hunger and drought from their original homeland. Since then, more than 50 children have been born. "They need clothes and Food and the funds made available by donors will quickly run out if the number of migrants continues to rise". "We are grateful to the Namibian government that they have always looked after us since we came to Namibia", said the migrants who asked the Namibian government to provide them with accommodation during the rainy season. For his part, however, Omusati Governor Erginus Endjala stated that his office does not have enough equipment and resources to build huts and is asking the central government, businessmen and politicians to join forces to help these people . The Catholic Church is widespread in the country and around 40-50% of schools in Namibia were built by Christian missionaries, as were numerous health centers. The Onandjokwe Mission Hospital founded by the Finnish missionary doctor Selma Raino in the tribal area of the Ondonga in Ovamboland is well known. Even during the civil war in Angola, Angolan refugees came to Namibia in search of a better life. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 23/11/2021)
