Okakarara: The Kambazembi Royal House has been called upon to assist the government in identifying community members eligible for the upcoming cash or food for work programme in the Okakarara Constituency. This request was made by the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, during the handover of 52 newly constructed houses to residents of Okakarara town.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Chief Sam Kambazembi and his council of traditional leaders were present at the event. Minister Sankwasa expressed his respect for the traditional leaders and emphasized the importance of their role in identifying deserving beneficiaries for the soon-to-launch food and cash for work programme.

The food and cash for work initiative, once a prominent government programme in the 1990s, was discontinued due to various reasons. Sankwasa announced that the government, through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, plans to reactivate the programme nationwide. The involvement of recognized institutions like traditional authorities will be crucial in its implementation.

The minister highlighted the essential task of helping the government identify destitute community members, who are the primary targets for this programme. He noted that the process would be more efficient and credible if traditional authorities and constituency councillors facilitated the identification and distribution of resources, given their familiarity with local communities.

Minister Sankwasa expressed confidence in the ability of traditional leaders to ensure that all needy community members benefit equally from the government-driven programme. The identified individuals will be assigned casual government jobs and compensated with food, cash, or both, aiming to alleviate hunger and poverty among Namibians.