Bridge needed between rich and poor First Lady bemoans Namibia''s dual economy The nation''s poor do not need hand-outs, First Lady Monica Geingos says, but rather help to carve out their own sustainable living. A bridge should be built to close the gap between the two economies in Namibia, First Lady Monica Geingos said when she received a donation of building supplies on Monday.These two economies, she explained, consist of the well-off minority and the majority living in poverty.
Betcrete Namibia Manufacturing Company donated various types of window and doorframes to the One Economy Foundation of the First Lady, who is also the patron of the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN).
Geingos said inequality exists at the bottom of the economy – among the majority of the population – adding that those in need should be helped in a constructive and sustainable way instead of being given hand-outs.
She said if not addressed, inequality can cause serious conflict.
The One Economy Foundation received a donation of building supplies worth N$97 792 from the Betcrete Namibia Manufacturing Company, which specialises in polymer concrete and building supplies for low-cost housing.
The donation includes 110 toilet window frames; 88 kitchen and living-room window frames; 81 bedroom window frames; and 44 doorframes.
The items will be given to low and ultra-low income earners in Swakopmund through the SDFN, which aims to make land and housing accessible to all Namibians through the national Harambee Prosperity Plan.
The federation also services land with equipment it hires and builds houses for low-income groups in informal settlements countrywide.
NAMPA