NO drought aid for those with jobs, please!

SOME people in the Etayi Constituency, in the Omusati Region, are forcing those distributing food aid to the vulnerable to include people who work and earn an income.

This will not be allowed, Councillor for the Etayi Constituency, Bernadinus Shekutamba Shikongo, told The Namibian yesterday. Shekutamba said some drought food committee members, especially from Olyavahenge village, had told him that a number of Government employees, such as teachers, nurses and others, are threatening distribution officials and committee members, demanding food.This was confirmed by the Swapo co-ordinator in the area.Those involved apparently argue that the food is for everybody as many people do not have food in their homesteads.They say everybody should be registered.”The drought relief food is only for vulnerable people, such as the old, children under five, pregnant women who are not earning a salary, people with disabilities.Those who do not fall into these categories do not have the right to receive drought relief food whatsoever,” said Shekutamba.The Etayi Constituency is close to Oshikuku Constituency where many people are reported to be short of food and in desperate need of aid.Shekutamba said Namibian Defence Force members in the Olyavahenge area in his constituency are among those demanding to be registered to receive food aid.”I really cannot understand how a person who is working – earning a salary from the Government or a private company – can demand to receive food that is reserved for the needy.How can one expect to gain twice from the Government, to get a salary, and at the same time food aid?” Shekutamba argued.He said members of the distribution teams are met with abusive language when they refuse to register certain people.Shekutamba told would-be culprits not to try and become illegal beneficiaries, warning that they will be arrested and prosecuted.”Please, those who are working must stop threatening drought relief workers since they do not have the right to food aid,” Shekutamba said.More than 300 000 people countrywide are reportedly registered as relief food programme beneficiaries.Shekutamba said some drought food committee members, especially from Olyavahenge village, had told him that a number of Government employees, such as teachers, nurses and others, are threatening distribution officials and committee members, demanding food. This was confirmed by the Swapo co-ordinator in the area. Those involved apparently argue that the food is for everybody as many people do not have food in their homesteads. They say everybody should be registered. “The drought relief food is only for vulnerable people, such as the old, children under five, pregnant women who are not earning a salary, people with disabilities. Those who do not fall into these categories do not have the right to receive drought relief food whatsoever,” said Shekutamba. The Etayi Constituency is close to Oshikuku Constituency where many people are reported to be short of food and in desperate need of aid. Shekutamba said Namibian Defence Force members in the Olyavahenge area in his constituency are among those demanding to be registered to receive food aid. “I really cannot understand how a person who is working – earning a salary from the Government or a private company – can demand to receive food that is reserved for the needy. How can one expect to gain twice from the Government, to get a salary, and at the same time food aid?” Shekutamba argued. He said members of the distribution teams are met with abusive language when they refuse to register certain people. Shekutamba told would-be culprits not to try and become illegal beneficiaries, warning that they will be arrested and prosecuted. “Please, those who are working must stop threatening drought relief workers since they do not have the right to food aid,” Shekutamba said. More than 300 000 people countrywide are reportedly registered as relief food programme beneficiaries.