Barometer shows little confidence in Govt

ORDINARY Namibians feel that Government has failed miserably in addressing the harsh economic realities of the past year, the latest Afrobarometer indicates.

The independent research project, conducted in several African countries annually, shows that 34 per cent of Namibians believe that Government is handling the improvement of living conditions ‘very badly’. A further 28 per cent describes Government’s efforts as ‘fairly bad’.The Round 4 Afrobarometer Survey in Namibia was conducted by Research Facilitation Services (RFS) between October 23 and December 3 last year. They interviewed 1 200 Namibians across the country.Of these, 33 per cent said that unemployment is the biggest problem facing Namibia. Thirteen per cent felt it was poverty and destitution.Government got the thumbs-down for its ability to create jobs, keep prices down and narrow the gap between the rich and the poor.About 42 per cent of interviewees labelled Government’s attempts at income equality as very bad. In addition, 31 per cent more felt it was fairly bad. Only 17 per cent gave a slight nod of approval.When asked about Government’s job creation strategy, 32 per cent said it was very bad, while 27 per cent viewed it as fairly bad. Government didn’t fare too badly, 31 per cent felt.Taming the price monster hasn’t been successful either, respondents feel. Some 25 per cent described Government’s inflation policies as very bad, while 28 per cent said it is bad. Nearly 37 per cent thought it is fairly good.However, 37 per cent said Government is ‘very bad’ at ensuring that every Namibian has something to eat, followed by 32 per cent who felt food security in the country is bad. Only 21 per cent believe Government is doing fairly well in this regard.Nearly 36 per cent ‘agreed very strongly’ that Government’s economic policies have hurt most people and only benefited a few, and 29 per cent ‘agreed’. Twenty per cent felt ‘strongly’ that the cost of reforming the economy are too high and that Government should therefore abandon its current economic policies. A further 30 per cent ‘agreed’ with this statement.About 41 per cent of respondents believe that the official black economic empowerment (BEE) policy is ‘somewhat likely’ to improve economic quality in Namibia, while 21 per cent thought it is ‘very likely’ to make a significant difference. Only 17 per cent maintains that BEE is not very likely to bring about change.The most important social problem that needs Government’s attention is the dire economic predicament of the poor, 56 per cent of respondents felt.Protecting people’s right to live freely and giving people more say in Government’s decisions were singled out by 16 per cent, while 11 per cent said it is important to maintain order.jo-mare@namibian.com.na