WINDHOEK, Mar. 9 – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Tuesday said that 49 Namibian nationals had since arrived in the country between March 4 and March 7.
During her ministerial speech, Nandi-Ndaitwah said: “The Government of the Republic of Namibia, together with our Honorary Consul and the Navachab Mining Company and Friends of Namibia in the countries neigh bordering Ukraine continue to do everything in its power to ensure the safe evacuating and passage back to Namibia of our nationals from Ukraine. Services rendered to our nationals, include, but not limited to, the provision of basic necessities and psycho-social support services, due the potential trauma they may have endured during this time of crises in Ukraine.”
As opposed to earlier figures of 114 Namibian nationals that was earlier reported, she indicated that only 89 Nationals were in Ukraine at the time the crises broke.
“It is understood that the other nationals making up the amount of 114, left Ukraine before the outbreak of the Crisis. To date, from the 89 nationals, 81 are out of Ukraine and are safe. There is one (1) national who indicated that she is safe and does not wish to reveal her whereabouts.”
So far, a total of 49 nationals arrived in the country with the assistance of Government, as follows:” 8 arrived on Saturday, 5 March 2022; 22 arrived on Sunday, 6 March 2022; and 19 arrived on Monday, 7 March 2022. Two (2) arrived on Friday, 4 March 2022, having made their own arrangements. This brings the total to 51 nationals safely back home.”
She indicated that her office was still in contact with six nationals who are still in Ukraine, including four who were successfully rescued in Sumi, which is the hotspot.
“Of the six (6), five (5) are on their way to the Polish border, the other one, we are still working to secure a safe route out of Ukraine.
All the Namibian nationals who have arrived where met at the airport by their family members, as well as by officials from the Ministries of International Relations and Cooperation; Education, Training, and Innovation; and Health and Social Services.
Those living in the capital Windhoek are currently accommodated at the Receiving Centre, where they will be accommodated for a few days before being released in the care of their parents/guardians unless the parents feel they should be released to their parents immediately. – musa@namibiadailynews.info
