Veteran projects not mandatory benefits

The department of veterans affairs says unlike other benefits given to veterans of the national liberation struggle such as medical, funeral assistance and monthly grants, individual veterans projects (IVPs) are not mandatory benefits.

This comes after numerous complaints by veterans who feel government takes too long in approving and funding their IVPs.

The aim of the government is to assist the veterans to initiate projects to ensure that they are integrated into the socioeconomic development of the country through generating income to uplift their living standards and that of their immediate families.

Veterans affairs spokesperson Edson Haufiku told New Era the department is indeed very much aware of the slow pace in the funding of IVPs.

However, he noted, this scenario is due to budgetary constraints as a result of the economic hardships being experienced not only in Namibia but the world over.

The IVP budget for the current financial year is less than N$4 million, which will cater for 16 projects.

“Please take note that unlike other mandatory benefits given to veterans of the national liberation struggle on a daily and monthly bases such as medical and funeral assistance and the monthly subventions, IVPs are not a mandatory benefit to veterans and are only meant for veterans who feel they are physically able to run a project.

Also, unlike the other benefits, IVPs are applied for through the veterans’ board,” Haufiku said.

The department has appealed to all veterans approved for IVPs funding to remain patient.

Veteran affairs also re-assured them that funding of IVPs will be accelerated once sufficient funding is availed.

To date, a total of 11 332 IVPs have been funded since the inception of the programme in 2010 at a cost of over N$2 billion. - anakale@nepc.com.na