The Namibia Local Businesses Association (NALOBA) has advised the government to give back 10% of the tax threshold to every civil servant, a move which it says will result in an increase in their net salaries as an interim measure until the country’s economic challenges have stabilized.
“Ours is just to advise and to save our government from embarrassment. The government should consider this advice within 14 days to give civil servants a relief and stop the strike going forward. We also wish to advise all civil servants not to opt to strike as the impact will be felt by all, including themselves but to rather wait a bit for government to consider our advice and give a response on its new standing and implementation thereof,” NALOBA Vice President Petrus Amadhila said, adding that no further steps would be taken by the organization should government not heed its advise.
According to Amadhila, the strike will have devastating consequences which will take Namibia and its citizens a “very long time” to overturn.
“Schools, hospitals and many government institutions will be highly affected. Government revenues will be severely affected. Businesses will be directly affected. Civil servants could skip their monthly bond payments resulting in their houses, cars or properties repossessed by the banks. Many families would be left devastated and the whole country would be left bleeding. The proposed strike is a scary moment and turmoil. In light of the above, Naloba wishes to advise the President and his Cabinet not to leave the country due to costs until this disturbing situation is solved,” Amadhila said.
He said Namibia, with its rich natural resources should not be struggling economically.
“Our debts were supposed to be minimal and every citizen was supposed to have access to a good life. NALOBA advises government to summon all mining and fishing giants in the country to come to the table to rescue its citizens. We could facilitate this convenience,” Amadhila said.
NALOBA has also condemned the City of Windhoek’s plans to shut down home shops in the city.
“The home shops are primary sources of income to many within Windhoek. The same shops create employment opportunities for many people. A lot of doctors, engineers, teachers and many professionals are molded with the financial support from home shops that sell beer, many that sell fat cakes and kapana. Many of these shops are certified by the City of Windhoek and do contribute to municipal revenues,” he said.
