Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister, Derek Klazen, has highlighted the importance of providing decent shelter for and taking care of the elderly, saying it preserves the history they have garnered.
Klazen was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the commencement of construction of a new senior citizens’ home in Walvis Bay’s Narraville residential area on Friday, where he expressed that senior citizens embody a wealth of knowledge gathered through a lifetime of triumphs and challenges.
“Taking care of the elderly is not merely an act of compassion. It is a testament to our collective humanity. Their well-being reflects the strength of our society and commitment to upholding principles of compassion, empathy and solidarity.
It is therefore everyone’s duty to ensure they are provided for with the care, respect and dignity they so rightfully deserve,” he said.
The minister added that the groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant step forward in the community’s commitment to caring for and honouring the elderly population.
The project was initiated by the trustees of the Narraville Elderly Home and the Walvis Bay Municipality Council, among others.
Deputy Minister of Health and Social Service (MoHSS) Dr Ester Muinjangue, noted that by 2050, the number and proportion of people aged 60 years and older in the population is estimated to increase to 2.1 billion globally and 220 million in Africa.
“This is a dramatic shift in the demographic profile of countries in the African region and the World Health Organisation estimates that 5.8 per cent of Namibia’s current population is aged 60 and over, with less than one per cent aged 80 years and over.
This estimation is a clear indication for the dire need for more old age homes in other regions of our country,” she said.
The deputy minister added that her ministry is at an advance stage in drafting a National Policy on the Rights, Protection and Care of Older Persons in Namibia, which aims to safeguard not only the health of older persons, but also their inter-generational roles and contribution to the socio-economic and cultural beliefs in society.
The building, once constructed, will consist of 58 Units, a hall with a fully furnished kitchen and a medical centre.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency