'Geingob added to broke govt'

Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani says if it is true that President Hage Geingob inherited a bankrupt government, instead of addressing the problem, he enlarged it.

Venaani was referring to remarks made by Geingob that he inherited a government that had “zero” in its coffers five years ago.

“We took over when the economy was down. Normally, when you form a government, we used to carry over Saara's money (in reference to then finance minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila). That was N$3 billion or so. But when we took over, it was zero. Go and check it. It is the truth. It was zero and taxes do not come from January or February. They are paid throughout the year. So, there was a cash-flow problem,” he told Nampa on Monday.

“Tough luck that he inherited a broke government. He was acting like he inherited a multibillion-dollar government,” Venaani said.

He added when Geingob took over, he enlarged the government structure. “I do not believe it is true. But if it is true, what did he do with a broke government? He enlarged it. He enlarged the motorcades. These are the things that have an impact.”

Venaani said Geingob inherited a broke government from himself.

“If he says the government was broke, then Swapo must admit they made the country broke. They ruled the country and Geingob was a policymaker at that time.”

He also pointed out that while Geingob has taken action to decrease ministers' vehicles, the biggest problem has not been addressed - the usage of petrol. Venaani said government officials think they can drive anywhere and waste resources. He added that two tanks of petrol should be given to ministers, and maybe a third, should they be travelling out of town.



Corona loan repayment holiday urged

Meanwhile, Venaani has proposed that the government should order a 30-day grace period for loan repayments because of the coronavirus emergency.

Venaani said while the government has taken firm measures against the spread of the virus, it is important that the entire country rally together to combat the disease.

More measures should have been announced to help communities weather the storm, he said.

He said the major concern is people living in areas where there is no access to clean water and other facilities. He said Namibian taxi ranks often see 1 000 to 2 000 people a day waiting for transport, and these could become a hotbed of infection.

“The government should deploy army trucks to ease the burden of transport of people in the city and even towns.”

He also suggested that public buses should only allow 30 passengers at a time. Venaani said the financial burden of households during this time should also be lessened and a 30-day “loan repayment holiday” for Namibians should be discussed. Small businesses would also need help to stay afloat during this period, he added.

Venaani further said water should be sent to areas that have no water networks. “It is one thing to say wash your hands, but it is another if you do not even have water to cook or to clean yourself.” He also called on municipalities to reopen taps that were closed due to non-payment for a period of 30 days.



Parliament hazard

Venaani also expressed concern about parliamentary sessions continuing while South Africa's parliament has gone into recess.

One of the measures introduced to curb the spread of the coronavirus was the banning of all gatherings of more than 50 people.

Venaani pointed out that the National Assembly has 108 members.



ELLANIE SMIT