Residents near Otavi in the Otjozondjupa Region were left shocked on Friday after discovering buried cans of fish suspected to be part of government drought relief food.
According to the Namibian Police, the tins were found along the gravel road leading to Gabus Lodge. The exact quantity remains unclear, but authorities believe the consignment may have been part of the emergency food relief intended for vulnerable communities.
The discovery was made by concerned locals, who immediately informed the police and the Otjozondjupa Regional Council. A representative from the council later visited the scene to assess the situation.
Incidents involving drought relief food going to waste or being mismanaged are not new. In previous years, there have been reports of food aid either expiring in warehouses or being stolen before reaching the intended beneficiaries.
The latest discovery has reignited concerns about accountability in the distribution of government aid, especially at a time when rural communities continue to struggle with the impact of recurrent droughts.
Police investigations are ongoing to establish how the food ended up buried along the road and whether criminal activity was involved.
