Informal sector welcomes relief funding
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Informal business owners, whose businesses had to shut down due to lockdown
measures, have welcomed the emergency income grant of N$750, which will support
households to cope with their reduced income and other economic hardships resultant
from the Covid-19 outbreak.
Finance minister lipumbu Shiimi announced the multi-billion-dollar economic stimulus
and relief package yesterday, saying the grant is a once-off payment to people who have
lost their jobs, either in the informal or formal sector, essentially to stave off the
vulnerabilities that may arise.
Shiimi said those qualifying are Namibians between the ages 18 and 60, who have lost
their jobs and do not receive any other social grants.
“Payment will be made by government in collaboration with the Social Security
Commission, and other financial sector and information communication technology
partners within seven days, who utilise the banking sector's ATM infrastructure. The total
amount for this measure is costed at a maximum of N$562 million, based on the national
poverty line of about N$250 per person per week,” he said.
Kapana seller from
Okahandja park Alina Mwandingi, whose business came to a sudden halt, told New Era
she is excited about the news.
“lam really struggling and if | get assistance, it will be good,” said Mwandingi, who lives
with 14 family members. She is the only breadwinner at home, selling cow heads at a
nearby bar. Of the 14 people, four are her late sister's children whom she cares for.
Another informal trader, Fillemon Nghishitivali from Havana informal settlement, will
lose an income of N$9 000 over the next 21 days. He had a barbershop, as well as a fruit
and vegetable stand in Grysblock.
He had earlier bemoaned the negative impact of Covid-19 on his business, which means
he will not be able to provide for his family.
Nghishitivali said, “If it is true, it will assist us these coming days and we are happy”.
Okahandja Park resident Ishmael Mbekele, who heads a family of 13, was equally
jubilant. Before the ban on street vending, he used to sell apples, sweets and soup,
amongst others, on the side of the road. Mbekele said it is a good initiative and will help
households.
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