Windhoek:Republican Party Member of Parliament Mathias Mbundu has proposed a one-off N$10 million relief package aimed at supporting informal meat traders and kapana vendors who are struggling due to recent Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions.

According to Namibia Press Agency , Mbundu made this proposal during his contribution to the 2026/2027 Mid-Year National Budget Review. He emphasized that while livestock regulations are crucial for protecting Namibia's economy, small-scale traders lack the financial resilience of larger commercial enterprises and are experiencing significant household income disruptions.

Mbundu highlighted that for many traders, their businesses serve as their sole source of income. Unlike larger businesses, these traders have limited savings and financial protection to weather prolonged disruptions. He suggested that the proposed relief fund could provide urgent cash grants to assist eligible vendors with covering basic living expenses, rent, and household needs.

He further recommended that the Ministry of Finance collaborate with local authorities to swiftly assess the most affected informal businesses. This would involve conducting a rapid assessment to identify impacted traders, determining appropriate grant amounts, and establishing a simple, transparent application and distribution process.

Mbundu stressed that the assistance should support eligible traders in meeting essential business and household needs while ensuring that public funds are directed to those who genuinely require support. He urged the government to implement measures to control the disease and safeguard the economy, emphasizing that small-scale traders should not disproportionately shoulder the financial burden.