Kangulu demands answers over N$1.9bn veterans funding gap

Sostenus Wilherm

The shadow minister of defence and veterans affairs, Aloisius Kangulu, has demanded that the government account for a N$1.9 billion funding gap required to settle outstanding Individual Veterans’ Projects (IVPs) for approximately 11 000 liberation veterans.

Kangulu’s call follows revelations by the ministry of defence and veterans affairs that only 15 000 of Namibia’s 26 000 registered liberation veterans have so far benefited from the IVP programme, leaving thousands still waiting for assistance.

The programme provides registered liberation veterans with a once-off N$200 000 grant to establish income-generating projects and improve their livelihoods.

According to major general Petrus Nathinge, the ministry’s deputy executive director for strategic policy, research and coordination, N$1.9 billion is required to fund the remaining beneficiaries.