The Namibian – The secretary-general of World Lutheran Federation (LWF) Martin Junge who has been on a visit to Namibia since last week to assess the drought situation said that the number of beneficiaries for the N$100 dole could increase as more funds come in.
The fund for N$100 payouts currently stand at N$5 million and will benefit 4 800 people in Amperbo in Hardap Region, Ongongo in Kunene Region, Onangholo in Omusati Region and Ncaute in Kavango Region. The payouts started this week.
Junge was speaking at the signing of agreements between various denominations of Evangelical Lutheran churches in Namibia and NamPost through which the money will be distributed to beneficiaries.
Junge said that with the help of partners inside and outside Namibia as well as the government, the N$100 cash payout could benefit more people affected by drought as more than 900 000 people are in need of assistance.
Junge said LWF has run such cash programmes in many emergencies around the world successfully with the help of reliable partners such as NamPost.
“The payouts can give back people the dignity to decide what they want to use the money for,” he said.
The agreement includes the technical issues on the payments and outlines responsibilities of the various partners such as Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia, the German Evangelical Lutheran Church, the United Church Council and the World Lutheran Federation.
Bishop Erich Hertel of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church said that more financial assistance is expected in the near future. “The programme could be extended beyond four to six months and more beneficiaries could be included depending on the availability of funds,” Hertel said.
Both Hertel and Junge expressed gratitude to NamPost for their co-operation and assistance in the church’s “relief through cash programme” which is being done with the blessing of the government, traditional authorities, Namibian Red Cross Society and the Council of Churches in Namibia.
In addition to the cash response, provisions have been made to offer psycho-social support, long-term emergency preparedness and advocacy to the drought-stricken communities.
Hertel urged the business community in Namibia to come forward and provide assistance to drought affected communities as part of their corporate social responsibility. “There cannot be any right time to give than now. Blessed is the hand that giveth,” Hertel said.
NamPost general manager for corporate marketing Harold Akwenye said his organisation will serve the nation which is in need. “With our wide accessibility range we will assist those who will benefit,” Akwenye said.
The N$100 will be given to beneficiaries without any charges by NamPost.
Bishop Frank July of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wurttenberg in Germany handed over a donation of N$200 000 from his church. “Our church in Germany felt proud and honoured to assist our brothers and sisters in Namibia,” July said.
Junge travelled with his delegation to the north yesterday and goes to Angola tomorrow to assess the drought situation there as well.
