Six people at Kalkrand in the Hardap Region on Wednesday received income generation activities (IGAs) materials and equipment from the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare.
Speaking during the handover at the village, Deputy Minister Bernadette Jagger said the ministry strives to contribute to the improvement of livelihoods through the IGAs support programme by encouraging women and men from poor communities to establish or expand their micro-enterprises.
“The ministry funds viable IGAs that have potential to flourish and create employment opportunities. I therefore believe that the IGAs supported today are equally viable and will contribute to the economic upliftment of the people in Hardap Region,” she said.
Jagger said it is disturbing that some of those you benefitted through the IGAs initiative did not improve and some are no longer in operation citing that even though the business environment is not favourable for some sectors due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic factors, those who receive the equipment should work hard, market their business, register their business, and produce quality products so that they can remain in business.
“I am urging you to use these materials and equipment to optimally improve income and create employment. Due to limited resources, the ministry is unable to support every IGA applicant, however you are still encouraged to come up with innovative business ideas and re-apply until you are supported,” she urged.
Further the deputy ministry warned the beneficiaries that the equipment remains the property of the ministry and should be used for its envisioned purpose, adding that the ministry does not take the mismanagement of materials and equipment lightly.
She said in the case of mismanagement, the ministry has the right to repossess the materials and equipment as stipulated in the operating guidelines for income generating activities: 2017-2022.
The Kalkrand projects sponsored include catering, a hair salon, welding and needlework and the equipment cost the ministry N.dollars 86 000.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
