The Kavango East Region's Income Generating Activity Programme under the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare is underfunded and unable to cover all six constituencies.

The programme aims to empower communities by providing materials and equipment to start or improve their businesses. 

In the 2016/2017 financial year, the Kavango East Region received over N$107,000 and N$200,000 in 2017/2018.

Chief Social Worker Pauline Kamwanga described these funds as insignificant.

She was speaking during the visit of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Poverty Eradication, Labour and Industrial Relations. 

"Over the past three years, our total fund has been N$58,000. Given that a hammer mill machine costs N$58,000, this means we can only fund one individual with that amount, which is why some applications are not shortlisted."

She said this defeats the purpose. "Currently, we have adopted a rotation system for funding constituencies. Each financial year, we allocate funds to three constituencies and then move on to the next ones."

She added that once beneficiaries are given insufficient funds, they end up storing the materials.

The chairperson of the standing committee, Justine Jonas, expressed disappointment with the procurement process and handling of the programme.

"It is a defeat; it's a serious issue. That's why we are saying, as you are holding on to a submission, someone out there is going to bed hungry because he or she was supposed to benefit from what was supposed to be implemented through that submission."

Jonas said that, given the poverty level in the two Kavango regions, leaders must prioritise projects that will address the plight of the people. 

It will also ensure that the ministry's appeal is heard.