Pohamba promises more jobs in 2013
Pohamba, whose government is battling unemployment that currently stands at 51%, said during his New Year message that government is fully aware of the difficult conditions facing its people as a result of economic hardships.
“We will, therefore, continue to work hard and more innovatively to combat the high rate of unemployment and to address the negative impact of poverty on our society,” the president said.
He noted that the government will also continue to insist on better and more effective co-ordination amongst government offices, ministries and agencies, to ensure full implementation of Cabinet decisions aimed at improving the living conditions of the people.
In this manner, the Head of State said, they can avoid duplication of efforts and ensure the prudent utilisation of the available public resources. He called on the nation to rededicate itself to the ethic of hard work in all it does.
“Whether we are subsistence farmers cultivating the fields, whether we are employed in the public or private sectors, whether we are self-employed, we all must work hard and strive to do the best at all best,” he said, adding that this is the only way Namibian will overcome the challenges facing their communities.
The president noted that good progress was recorded in the provision of health care, education, housing, sanitation and electricity. Social support services were expanded to benefit more veterans of the liberation struggle, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, orphans and vulnerable children, the president said. Additionally, socio-economic development initiatives have placed specific focus on addressing the plight of the people in rural areas and informal settlements, especially the access to affordable land for housing, Pohamba recalled.
“Our nation must hold hands and march forward together, with the aim of further consolidating peace and stability in our country.” “None should be left behind, as we continue to build a better and inclusive society, where each citizen feels a sense of belonging.
Let us learn from the lessons of the past and make use of the opportunities that the new year will bring,” he said.
