Maria David
THE food-for-work programme implemented by the Kunene Regional Council continues to help hundreds of people in the region through the creation of short-term job opportunities.
During the financial year 2021/22, the region received an allocation of N$538 461.54 for the implementation of the programme.
Spokesperson of the Regional Council Tulimekondjo Pandeni said the funds were shared equally among the seven constituencies of the region, funding 15 projects and benefiting 310 people.
In the Outjo constituency, the programme funded two projects, namely the rehabilitation of the access road to Queen Sophia and the development of the water point at Bellalaika.
“A total of 30 people were temporarily employed to clear the road of stones and fix the potholes to make it easily accessible and safe,” she said.
The work, which is estimated for completion in three months, is valued at N$36 600, and the beneficiaries will be paid the amount equally.
Pandeni said the Food/Cash for Work Programme (FCFWP) is a government programme coordinated by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, executed by the Rural Services Divisions of the Regional Councils, and was adopted in the early 1990s.
“The programme involves able-bodied unemployed people in rural areas in labour-based works. The government provides building materials, equipment and tools and compensates the participants with food rations or cash allowances,” she said.
According to Pandeni, the programme is implemented in one to three months targeting 15 to 30 beneficiaries per project.
The programme has been widely implemented in the rural areas of Namibia contributing to social and infrastructure development services.
She said the programme aims at creating short-term employment opportunities for the needy rural communities and maintaining fixed assets that the community can use to further their socio-economic development.
“This will also increase labour productivity, ensure equitable redistribution of resources and equal participation in rural development,” she added.
