Govt promises prompt drought-relief delivery

President Nangolo Mbumba says the government will make sure drought-relief food is promptly delivered to beneficiaries.

He said this yesterday during the United Democratic Front (UDF) leadership’s courtesy visit to State House in Windhoek.

“We will engage the ministries with spare transport to make sure food is delivered,” the president said.

He said food should not be allowed to expire in warehouses.

“Once the food is there, distribute it to the people,” Mbumba said.

He was responding to UDF leader Hendrick Gaobaeb’s proposal to deliver drought-relief food directly to beneficiaries’s doorsteps.

“We appreciate that the government is giving food, the food is reaching the regional capitals and certain constituencies. But as the drought is recurrent in the Kunene region where I am dealing with this drought, transport is a challenge,” he said.

He said people don’t have donkeys any more, which would normally serve as transport.

“It’s difficult, we must bring food to their doorsteps,” he said.

In June, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said 1,4 million Namibians will be food insecure between July and September.

According to the OPM, 33 105 marginalised community members are receiving drought-relief food.

“About 1,4 million people (48% of the total population), equivalent to 341 855 households, are expected to be food insecure between July and September 2024,” the OPM said.

Social and economic justice activist Nafimane Hamukoshi said the proposal is a commendable initiative that addresses both accessibility and dignity for those affected by food insecurity.

“This approach not only ensures that vulnerable populations receive timely assistance, but also reduces the stigma often associated with seeking help, as it respects their privacy and personal circumstances,” she said.

Hamukoshi said implementing a universal basic income grant alongside such initiatives could provide a more sustainable solution to poverty and food insecurity in Namibia.

“By guaranteeing a minimum income for all citizens, we can empower individuals to make choices that best suit their needs, ultimately fostering greater economic stability and social equity within our communities. This approach could significantly enhance the resilience of Namibians facing the challenges posed by droughts and economic hardships,” she said.

BUDGET CYCLE CONCERNS

Meanwhile, Gaobaeb said the budget cycle delays the implementation of the capital projects which are supposed to address Namibians’ livelihoods.

“The budget cycle is from 1 April to 31 March, but on 1 April the parliament is still discussing the budget. Why can we not change it to start even in October, the budget debate? And then when it is April, the budget is already signed by the president,” he said.

Mbumba, however, said the budget cycle is not necessarily the problem, but rather implementers not delivering.