Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Member of Parliament Elma Dienda has criticised the method of paying pensioners their old age grant as stressful and unacceptable.
According to Dienda, the current practice of giving pensioners payments under trees is unacceptable, especially after Epupa Investment Technology has held the contract for more than a decade. Dienda is calling on the ministry to take action to improve service delivery.
Dienda made these remarks on Tuesday in parliament while questioning Doreen Sioka, the Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare.
‘’What is the total value of the current 5-year contract? What are the provisions or clauses regarding the establishment of pay stations to ensure dignified payment conditions for the elderly?’’ questioned Dienda.
Dienda wanted to know why the ministry had entered into another contract with Epupa Investment Technology for the provision of services to facilitate cash payments of basic state grants and allowances to social grant beneficiaries.
Over the years, the ministry entered into the same contract with Epupa Investment Technology three times.
Dienda also requests an explanation from Sioka on why Epupa Investment Technology won the contract again after holding it for more than ten years.
Sioka is expected to provide answers in parliament on Thursday.
Dienda also asked Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila additional questions to get clarification on the children who reportedly died from food poisoning as a result of the government’s drought relief program.
According to Dienda, recent publications indicated that three children have died and four others are in critical condition due to suspected food poisoning after consuming porridge made with maize meal from a drought relief program at Witvlei.
Witvlei constituency councillor Sheya Goagoses confirmed that the victims were initially rushed to the Witvlei clinic, with the deaths occurring shortly after.
‘’Could you please provide clarity on the official cause of death for the three children in the Omaheke region and whether it has been confirmed to be food poisoning from a government-sponsored drought relief program?’’ questioned Dienda.
She also wants the premier to tell the public if the government has ordered autopsies to determine the cause of death and the preliminary results.
Dienda also wants to know what measures the government will undertake to support the affected families in covering the burial expenses of their loved ones.
The Prime Minister is also expected to provide answers in parliament on Thursday.
