Africa-Press – Namibia.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has assured public servants that the government is not removing the bush allowance but is instead reviewing the system to ensure it is fair and reflects current conditions in different parts of the country.
Speaking on NBC National FM People’s Parliament programme earlier this week, Ngurare responded to concerns about how schools and other government institutions are classified for remoteness allowances and whether some areas are receiving benefits while others with similar challenges are not.
The discussion followed concerns from members of the public who called during the engagement, questioning why certain schools continue to receive bush allowances despite improvements in infrastructure and access to services, while other equally remote institutions do not qualify.
Ngurare said the allowance system is intended to attract and retain professionals in remote areas by compensating them for the challenges associated with living and working far from major centres.
“In terms of fairness, and I know that the caller perhaps cannot give us any specifics, but the intention is that we would like many of our young professionals to go to remote areas.
And it presupposes from our side that we will do all we can to make the remotest areas amenable for the young people to go there. In other words, if we send them to Gam or other places that are remote, it means that we must provide the amenities commensurate with them being there,” he stated.
He explained that the government classifies duty stations into four categories.
Category A areas, regarded as the most remote, receive an allowance of N$1 750 per month. Category B areas receive N$1 150, while category C areas receive N$750. Category D areas do not qualify for the allowance.
He said classifications are based on several factors, including the availability of accommodation, healthcare services, schools, electricity, water, roads, transport, shops, communication networks and the distance from major towns.
The PM explained that the review aims to address inconsistencies that may have emerged over time as some areas have developed while others continue to face serious challenges. He stressed that the intention is not to abolish the allowance but to improve and strengthen the system.
It also highlighted government efforts to improve living and working conditions in rural areas through the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres, the construction of staff houses and improved sanitation facilities at schools.
Teachers
Ngurare’s remarks come amid growing concerns from teachers and police officers affected by the recent remoteness allowance review.
In a recent New Era report, teachers from several schools questioned the fairness of the reclassification process after their allowances were reduced or removed despite ongoing challenges at their duty stations.
Teachers at Ohahati Primary School in the Oshikoto region told New Era they were shocked to discover that their allowance had been reduced.
They argued that the school still lacks access to clean water and proper roads, while learners continue to be taught in temporary structures because of classroom shortages. The nearest clinic is approximately 11km away, making access to healthcare difficult.
The teachers further questioned why neighbouring schools facing similar conditions were not affected by the review. They said the decision had placed additional financial pressure on staff members who had already budgeted around the allowance.
Meanwhile, the ministry of education has defended the review, saying it was required under public service regulations and was based on a standardised assessment conducted across all 14 regions. The ministry also indicated that affected schools and employees would be allowed to appeal their classifications.
Officers
Concerns were raised again from police officers stationed at Omutwewondjaba Border Post in the Ohangwena region. Officers complained about difficult living and working conditions, saying they were operating in isolated areas with limited facilities and argued that any reduction or removal of hardship-related benefits would negatively affect morale and service delivery. They cited accommodation shortages and inadequate infrastructure among the challenges they face.
The government has acknowledged these concerns and has already begun implementing measures aimed at improving conditions at border posts.
In addition, the safety and security ministry has been rolling out accommodation projects and upgrading facilities at several border stations.
The ministry has also pledged further improvements to border infrastructure and living conditions for officers deployed in remote areas.
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