Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge has expressed concern over the continued outbreak of veld fires in the region, warning that poor coordination and delayed responses are allowing them to destroy thousands of hectares of grazing land.

The governor urged for better coordination and effective operations among all authorities responsible for emergency response.

A visibly frustrated Iipinge did not hold back his anger over the Oshana Regional Disaster Risk Management Committee failures.

“I am deeply concerned and disappointed by the apparent lack of coordination and preparedness among all institutions that form part of the Disaster Risk Management Committee. However, upon reviewing the minutes of the previous committee meeting, I was equally disturbed by the low attendance and limited participation of these stakeholders. Members of this committee are not ceremonial colleagues, and attendance should not be treated as optional.”

The Governor emphasised that emergency forces must remain on permanent alert.

“A disaster does not wait for us to organise ourselves. A fire does not wait for office hours, meetings, or administrative processes. Our system must always be ready to respond immediately, in a coordinated and efficient manner. I expect the NDF to have a vehicle on standby, and I expect the police to have a vehicle on standby.”

Two recent veld fires destroyed 41,846 hectares of grazing land in the Oshana Region. 

The first, sparked in July by a 14-year-old herder hunting a snake, burned 3,560 hectares in the Uuvudhiya Constituency. 

The second, larger outbreak in late August devastated another 38,286 hectares in the same constituency before being contained.

The governor praised the bravery of community volunteers.

“I sincerely thank everyone who participated in extinguishing the fire. Your courage, commitment, and willingness to assist under difficult circumstances are deeply appreciated; however, while we acknowledge the efforts, we must also be honest about the serious witnesses exposed by this incident.”