On Tuesday, 07 April 2020, Erongo RED pledged to avail N$1 million towards the fight against COVID-19. The N$200 000 of the sponsorship will be directed to the National Disaster Fund. The remaining N$800 000 will be directed towards regional efforts to combat the virus. Speaking at the press conference, the Chief Executive Officer of Erongo RED, Fessor Mbango said that the N$800 000 will be used towards assisting vulnerable communities, particularly in relation to ensuring access to sanitation such as hand washing materials to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the region. He further said that the company will continue to engage the Regional Disaster Risk Management Committee and other institutions that are involved in combating COVID-19.
“Our decision was mainly driven by the visible efforts by the national and regional leadership, increased number of infections in Namibia as well as newly reported cases in the region,” Mbango said. The CEO further applauded the national and regional leadership for their hard work during these difficult times and for the measures they have implemented to curtail the further spread of the COVID-19.
Speaking at the same event, the Governor of Erongo Region, Cleophas Mutjavikua, applauded Erongo RED and urged Namibians, especially residents of Erongo, to adhere to the lockdown measures currently in place. “Let us remain, as much as possible, indoors, wash our hands frequently and maintain hygiene,” Mutjavikua said.