Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Member of Parliament Yvette Araes has said the elderly and persons living with disabilities in Namibia are not recognised as priorities, but rather given the bare minimum in grant increments.

This comes after the old age grant was increased from N.dollars 1 300 to N.dollars 1 400 per month while the orphan and vulnerable children grant increased from N.dollars 250 per month to N.dollars 350, in the 2023/24 budget tabled by Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi in February.

Araes, in her contribution to the 2023/24 appropriation bill in the National Assembly on Wednesday, said the N.dollars 100 increment in the old age and disability grant is a drop in the ocean.

“This increase is harshly overpowered by the cost of living in Namibia. Whether we want to hear it or not, the old age and disability grants in Namibia are not enough to complement and sustain the livelihoods of the elderly and vulnerable in Namibia,” she said.

The MP said social grants serve as a poverty eradication strategy in many poor households in Namibia, especially in households in the urban areas which she states are affected by poverty and are headed by the elderly who are often pensioners.

‘The pension is often the main source of livelihood for many households,’ she said.

She added that a real pro-poor budget would essentially address the needs of the most vulnerable in the communities and would bring about visible positive change in the lives of the poor.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency