24 May 2022

Ngami District Health Management Team (DHMT) has experienced a remarkable decline in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths over the last three months, says Maun Administrative Authority sub-council chairperson, Mr Vepaune Moreti.

 Having been hit by the fourth wave with an increase in cases beginning of the year, the district currently had only five active cases, he told councillors on Monday.

Speaking during the opening of the sub-council, Mr Moreti said to date, a total of 33 432 people had been tested adding that cumulatively 9 222 cases and 148 COVID-19 related deaths had been registered since the outbreak.

He said of the 9 222 cases, 317 were health care workers nine of whom lost their lives.

Mr Moreti  assured his audience that the DHMT continued to observe the situation and was prepared to manage it in case the numbers went up as a result of winter.

On immunisation, he said a total of 61 046 clients were fully vaccinated while 43 128 had received their first dose translating into 72.3 per cent of the target population.

Meanwhile, only 11 581 had taken booster shots, he said.

Turning to other issues, Mr Moreti said the district continued to experience an increase in child abuse cases.

He said currently, 183 social cases had been registered out of which  94 were rape and defilement related.

In the last sub-council session, only 69 cases of defilement and rape were reported, he stated.

Mr Moreti also informed the house about the recent hailstorm damage to Kareng RADs hostel.

He said the damage extended to the dining hall, ablution block for boys hostel, kitchen toilet and chimney as well as window panes across the facility.

Councillors heard that the insurance company had already assessed the damage and that quotations had been sourced for renovation.

“We are currently awaiting feedback on the selected contractor by the insurance company,” he explained.

On yet another matter, he revealed that the council would invest over P10 million in waste management activities this financial year.

The funds would be used in maintenance of the landfill and dumping sites, engagement and payment of waste contracts and hiring private companies for skip collection, said Mr Moreti.

Outsourcing of waste collection coverage, he said, would be expanded to include Khwai, Mababe and Sankoyo.

He revealed that two small scale companies would be engaged in sewage collection activities.

Members of the community were encouraged to desist from dumping waste illegally as it had proven costly to rehabilitate the environment.

Mr Moreti thanked all who took  part in the monthly multi-sectoral clean up campaigns saying their efforts had restored dignity and aesthetics to the environment. Ends