Rain is double-edged sword

Rain is double-edged sword While people rejoice for the good rainfall the country is receiving after such a protracted drought, many poor families in especially informal settlements have been left destitute following the recent heavy showers that destroyed many of their belongings.

Boame Melesano, a father of ten who lives in Okuryangava in Katutura, is counting his losses not his blessings, after rain flooded his home damaging his furniture including his children's beds during a recent heavy downpour. Melesano said it was the first time his house was flooded. “We just sat like that helplessly and had to wait until it stopped raining,” said Melesano, adding that they could only start salvaging the destroyed house furniture after the rain stopped.

Melesano, a taxi driver by profession, told Namibian Sun thus far he has spent more than N$300 to build a blockade around his shack to prevent flooding in future. “I spent about N$300 on sand alone so that I can build something around my shack to avoid being flooded again,” Melesano said.

Despite having lost property due to the rainfall and the inconvenience caused by being drenched, Melesano said the rain is still a blessing for Melesano and his family.

“We also want it to rain. It is still a blessing. There is a water crisis in our city and we need the rain to survive,” said Melesano.

He added that despite the rains being destructive in some cases, rain is an essential part of our lives.

Another family also suffered heavy losses from the recent downpours. Fifty-two-year-old Festus Matheus's house leaks each time during heavy rains. “My structure is old and I am unemployed so I do not have money to fix my house. My wife and I just sit helplessly when it rains,” Matheus said.

“It always happens because my house is built next to a riverbed,” said Matheus who added that if he had the means, he would relocate to higher ground.

Like Melesano, Matheus looks for the silver lining in the proverbial rain cloud. Although he stays awake all night when it rains due to the leaks, he also said the rains are good for the wellness of the people. “The rain is a blessing, it is just unfortunate that my shack leaks, but we need the rain to grow crops,” said Matheus.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE