Staff Reporter
THE Namibian Government intends to launch a programme that encourages unemployed young people to support the well-being of elderly citizens in rural and informal areas, offering compensation through food-for-work and cash-for-work schemes.
These plans were outlined by Prime Minister Dr Elijah Ngurare in Parliament. He explained that the voluntary initiative aims to improve the welfare of vulnerable elderly people and veterans of the liberation struggle, particularly those living in rural communities.
“I wish to recognise that many elderly people are cared for by their respective families – and many are doing so. Those who can afford it, some are kept in elderly homes in urban areas. But in rural areas, many vulnerable elders are not cared for in the same way. The Government is assisting through social grants and the old-age pension. However, we are also alive to the fact that in our society, there are some households where the elderly need our support – where the traditional authorities equally know that this or that household needs care and assistance in terms of basic amenities, such as a decent place to sleep, with access to water, sanitation and food,” Ngurare said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks follow an announcement by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, that Cabinet has approved the proposed programme. She confirmed that it will be implemented through a cash-for-work and food-for-work model, focusing on the rehabilitation, construction, and repair of homes for vulnerable elderly individuals and veterans.
“Recently, as announced by our Minister of Information and Communication Technology, we have discussed and approved a submission to expand this kindness through TVET trainees in villages and informal settlements to assist in the rehabilitation, construction, and maintenance of households for vulnerable elderly people and veterans of the liberation struggle. What would be required is the sourcing of materials from local entrepreneurs in the respective regional capitals, etc. The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MoDVA) has undertaken to incorporate this within the ministerial scope of its responsibilities,” Ngurare added.
The Prime Minister emphasised that this government intervention does not absolve families of their responsibilities towards elderly relatives. He urged citizens to continue caring for their elders and to treat war veterans with the respect they deserve.
“There is also a heartless culture evolving amongst us, where some war veterans are being mocked and vilified because of the conditions in which they unfortunately find themselves. We cannot, as a nation, stoop so low. This is sheer wickedness. It is our duty to honour our war veterans. Every effort is being made to ensure that no war veteran lives in deplorable conditions. We owe it to history to do just that, and their basic needs must be met while they are waiting for their cash payouts from MoDVA. Once again, through this voluntary act of kindness, we intend to work with all stakeholders to rehabilitate vulnerable elderly and war veterans’ households by installing basic facilities such as decent ablution facilities, water, and electricity where possible. Our overarching objective is to ensure that they live decently – especially those in rural areas,” Ngurare said.
