After two years of successful implementation, the last payout will take place in December 2009. What now?

The Namibian Basic Income Grant (BIG) Pilot Project has come to its conclusion. After two years of successful implementation, the last payout will take place in in December 2009. The results of the pilot project have proven the effectiveness of a BIG to fight poverty, foster social development and kick-start local economic development. The impact of the BIG was nothing short of spectacular: Poverty levels and child malnutrition declined dramatically, while school attendance and utilization of the local clinic improved. Likewise, economic activities increased significantly while crime levels dropped.

The Coalition is convinced that a national BIG will benefit Namibians in all regions of the country. It is both beneficial and affordable and its implementation is thus a question of political will.

The BIG Coalition has noted with disappointment that the Namibian Government has not yet committed itself to the introduction of the country-wide BIG. The delay in the national implementation is hurting the poor in general and the residents of Otjivero-Omitara in particular. As the BIG Coalition, we cannot stand by and let the residents slide back into the dehumanising levels of poverty thus, while demanding the implementation of the BIG nationwide, we will utilise a 'bridging allowance' to tie over the households for the time being. This is not a solution but merely a 'stop-gap measure' which cannot replace the BIG.

The pilot project has gained worldwide publicity and is part of the global discussion on new approaches in development. The people of Otjivero-Omitara have shown the world what can be done with very little money, based on a human rights approach, a philosophy of equality and a theology of dignity. It is the sincere hope of the Coalition that this experience and the positive example will encourage others to demand what is rightfully theirs, namely “A BIG for all”!

The Namibian: Otjivero Residents to Get 'Bridging Allowance' As Big Pilot Ends (9 December 2009)