Aid brings relief to Aussenkehr fire victims

Aussenkehr residents who lost their homes in a devastating fire late last year were provided with much-needed aid on Friday, following the handover of donated items at the Aussenkehr Community Centre.


The handover was led by ||Kharas governor Dawid Gertze, together with the regional council chairperson Gerrit Witbooi. Regional leaders joined affected community members as essential supplies were distributed to families whose lives were upended by the disaster. The donations included clothing, food parcels and school stationery aimed at providing immediate assistance to families as they begin the long process of rebuilding their lives.


The fire, which broke out in late December last year, destroyed 58 houses in two separate incidents, leaving the families without shelter or personal belongings. During the event, regional leaders acknowledged that while the donated items could not replace what had been lost, they were intended to offer immediate relief, restore dignity and provide hope. The fire reportedly reduced homes and possessions to ashes, leaving many families dependent on community support and government assistance. Leadership reaffirmed its commitment to continue mobilising resources and coordinating further support to ensure that the Aussenkehr community is not left behind during the recovery process.


United actions - Residents warmly welcomed the gesture, describing it as a sign of care and encouragement during a particularly difficult period. Gertze used the occasion to issue a call for continued support. He appealed to local businesses, private sector partners, faith-based organisations, civil society groups and community members within the region and across Namibia to assist the affected families. The governor expressed sincere appreciation to contributors. These include FNB Namibia for donating school stationery to support educational continuity; staff and colleagues of the ||Kharas Regional Council, Swapo Party Office staff in Keetmanshoop; community members from Keetmanshoop rural, Windhoek and Lüderitz; and residents of Aussenkehr who also contributed clothing on the day of the handover. Gertze added that the support had not only helped affected households begin to rebuild their lives but had also strengthened community resilience and affirmed the power of partnership between government and society. “May your kindness be returned to you many times over. Together, we remain united and committed to restoring hope and stability for our people.”