By Elezo Libanda
Namibia, classified as an upper-middle-income country by the World Bank, continues to grapple with pervasive poverty and extreme wealth disparities. The impact of poverty is particularly acute in the northern regions of Zambezi, Kavango, Oshikoto, Kunene, and Ohangwena.
The stark contrast between Namibia’s high income and the simultaneous prevalence of poverty can be attributed to long-standing income inequalities. Globally, Namibia ranks third highest in terms of income inequality, as reported by the World Bank. In response to this pressing issue, the United Nations and other advocacy groups have exerted pressure on the Namibian government to take more decisive action in addressing the wealth gap.
Currently, there is a bill in parliament, tabled by SWAPO member of parliament, Honourable Eliphas Dingara, which proposes providing one million Namibian dollars to each citizen. Dingara argues that Namibia’s abundant natural resources make it financially capable of caring for its population. He believes that a one-time payment of one million dollars to each citizen could serve as an urgent solution to alleviate poverty in the country. The nation now eagerly awaits the outcome of the deliberations, recognizing it as a potential beacon of hope. ~Namibia Daily News
