Katjavivi says sexual reproductive health is essential

GROOTFONTEIN – “We are living on the mercy of God,” these were the words repeatedly said by a group of destitute people, including San community members residing next to the historical single quarters in Grootfontein, where they have set up ramshackle shacks.

Not far from the site is a police station – and around the corner, one is greeted by the sight of a heap of discarded plastic rubbish, more like people who have set up dwellings at a landfill – but it is what some people call their home across seasons.

OTJIWARONGO Speaker of the National Assembly Professor Peter Katjavivi is hopeful the capacitybuilding workshop on sexual reproductive health and rights for members of parliament, currently in Otjiwarongo, will culminate into good legislation to tackle the many challenges Namibia is grappling with.

Katjavivi said this when he officially opened a two-day workshop on Thursday.

The gathering follows the launch of the second phase of the SADC Parliamentary Forum’s SRHR, HIV and AIDS governance project earlier this year, intended to empower lawmakers with the necessary knowledge and skills to actively engage in fact-based debates and formulate legislation.

The project aims to sensitise individuals on choices regarding their sexuality and reproductive health rights despite their age, gender or HIV status.

At the legislative level, the aim is to empower MPs to debate motions and scrutinise bills that seek to address issues of sexual reproductive health rights.

According to Katjavivi, apart from legislation, members of parliament as representatives of the electorate could also serve as advocates for sexual reproductive rights. “It is expected to empower MPs to introduce motions and

Some claim to have lived on this piece of land for nearly eight years, without any hope of assistance, as they struggle to make a living. They survive on doing odd jobs for the nearby community and they also receive drought relief food. However, for about four months now, they claim they have not received any assistance for food. “We inquired last month but we were told there is no food at the councillor’s office. But we don’t know if this is true or not, as sometimes, we are punished, accused of selling the food parcels we receive but that is untrue,” said David Nuseb. Others in his group asked: “Don’t you have surprises for us?” They were in hope this reporter analyse bills tabled in the National Assembly that seek to address Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights. It seeks to sensitise individuals on choices regarding their sexuality and reproductive health and rights. As lawmakers, we are in a position to influence and advocate for laws best suited to the needs and aspirations of our people,” stated the Speaker.

The implementation of the project, which will run from 2019 to 2022, will depend on key parliamentary standing committees, said Katjavivi.

Committees to champion these issues include the parliamentary standing committee on gender, social development and family affairs and the parliamentary standing committee on human resources and community development.

He said targeted legislation is expected to tackle a myriad of sexual reproductive issues such as sexual gender-based violence, early and unintended pregnancies, discrimination and the rights of key populations, among others.

He revealed some of the legislative successes made since the project’s inception in 2014, adding that several motions were introduced, including SADC PF model laws that have been adopted in the region.

He singled out the model law on eradicating child marriage and protecting children already in marriage, as well as the minimum standards for the protection of key populations in the SADC region. might have brought along some goodies. The place is without water and ablution; hence, the group of more than 30, including children and elders, source water from the overcrowded Single Quarter squatters at no cost. “There are only two functional toilets at the single quarters, so many of us use open defecation. We appeal for land and shelter, as we are really suffering from harsh weather conditions,” said Ben Nauseb. Contacted for comment, the town mayor Abisai Haimene acknowledged the plight of the group, saying council is in the process of securing a place they could be accommodated and provided with decent shelter.

In the meantime, he said, they are sourcing for tents in collaboration with the office of the governor as a first step to shelter them once they are relocated. In terms of food provision, Haimene said council has set up a soup kitchen but it struggles to secure food to keep it running regularly. “Four months without receiving food might be a little bit longer. However, the office of the councillor always provides food, as well as through the president’s office. We are trying our level best to rescue our people,” said the mayor.

Regional councillor Nelao Amagulu was unavailable for comment by the time of going to print.