The Omuthiya Councillor, Erastus Nekomba, said the lack of national documents among some residents, including pensioners, remains one of the challenges facing the constituency.

Nekomba made the remarks while reflecting on his first eight months in office.

“People do not have ID cards or birth certificates until old age, which can be challenging. You can find a person without one at the age of 70.”

Angolans who have been in the country for long have also complained that they are yet to receive Namibian citizenship.

Nekomba, however, said the requirements for Angolan nationals who came to Namibia in the 1970s qualify for citizenship under Cabinet requirements.

“They are treated differently depending on how many years they have lived in Namibia. The same person may no longer have anywhere to stay in Angola because they have lived here for a longer period, and they have children and grandchildren here who do not have national documents. It is worrisome because, at the end of the day, these children are not receiving any government financial assistance for their schooling or tertiary education.”

The councillor further highlighted the focus areas his office initiated.

“So far, on my own, I organised a consultation team to come and provide training and information to the youth regarding the National Youth Development Fund. Most of them here did not know how to fill in the forms or develop business plans. I brought the team here for two days, and they delivered the training.”