By Elezo Libanda
Katima Mulilo, December 12 | | Thousands of residents in Katima Mulilo are facing severe challenges as they struggle to register for the optional Basic Income Grant, with many enduring sleepless nights and difficult conditions at the registration site. Several individuals have been forced to sleep outside, braving mosquitoes and potential criminal activity, in hopes of securing their place before the looming registration deadline.
With just one day left until the registration deadline, authorities have confirmed that no extensions will be granted. To qualify for the grant, applicants must meet specific criteria, including a household income below N$1,600, unemployment status, or lack of access to other forms of support.
Residents who spoke to Namibia Daily News expressed frustration over the slow registration process and the lack of clear communication. “We have been sleeping in makeshift cartons since last week. The registration officials arrive late and only manage to register less than 100 people per day,” said Simona Mabuna, a resident. “At times, we are told that only 50 out of 100 people are qualifying, and there are no proper sanitation facilities. We’ve had to plead with security personnel to let us use the tap on the premises.”
Another elderly woman, Manga Mubian, voiced her concerns about irregularities in the registration process. “People are being registered through the back door while we, who have been waiting here since last week, are left out. We have been patiently waiting for our turn, but it never comes. The officials seem to have their list, and we don’t know where it’s coming from,” she said.
Many applicants have travelled long distances to register, only to be told that only those living in the Katima Mulilo Urban constituency are eligible. Recently, a new requirement for a voter’s card has been introduced to confirm that applicants are indeed residents of Katima Mulilo Urban. “We were told that only those with voter cards from this constituency will be considered,” Mubian added.
Efforts to obtain comments from registration officials were unsuccessful. The entrance to the registration venue remained locked, and security personnel at the gate explained that the officials inside had instructed them not to open the gate until members of the Namibian Police arrived to help manage the growing tension among the crowd. Some residents were reportedly becoming increasingly frustrated and threatening the registration staff.
As the deadline approaches, the situation in Katima Mulilo remains tense, with many still unsure of their chances of securing the grant. Local authorities are under pressure to resolve the issues quickly, as the Basic Income Grant is seen as a crucial lifeline for many vulnerable households in the region.
— Namibia Daily News
