Dozens turned away from BIG registration

Dozens of low-income residents were turned away from registering for the basic income grant (BIG) at Eenhana in the Ohangwena region on Monday.

The ongoing registration process is being conducted by the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare.

One of the residents who wanted to register, Loide Fellepa, said the officials in charge did not give people the right information.

“They would send people away, claiming the papers to apply are not enough, or for many other reasons that didn’t make sense,” she said.

“We travelled to Eenhana from our villages around the region just to be told to go,” she added.

The registration process for a BIG of N$650 a month started at the town last week. However, some applicants report that the process has been marred by problems from the beginning.

Many people have expressed disappointment and frustration over what they claim is unfair treatment from the officials.

Some residents have accused officials of sending them from pillar to post, while favouring those they know and who are already employed.

“We came with all the requirements but when we got here, we were told to go and fetch [other] documents. They are telling us to bring receipts for water payments but we live in shacks, we have no running water.

“As a result, they refused to register us. We want to know, if BIG is for poor people like us, how do they turn us away and choose those who are well off?” said a member of a group of residents.

“We are also tired of coming and being turned away for one reason or another. Today we were being told to leave the premises because the registration papers were not enough. Why can’t they just make copies and register the people?”
Gender equality ministry spokesperson Lukas Haufiku told The Namibian the issues experienced at BIG registration points were caused by a lack of information.

“All our people have been trained and should be able to convey correct and accurate information to those coming to them. We issued information on what was required from the applicants, and we [can] see in the systems whether they are employed or not.”

Haufiku said the ministry is aware that some people may try to cheat the system by lying about their employment status and income.

“But we know how to get them,” said Haufiku.

BIG registration will be taking place at the Eenhana Community Centre until 14 December.