Only three social workers serve Omaheke

The Omaheke region has only three social workers serving all seven constituencies, placing severe strain on social welfare services.

In a recent interview with The Namibian, Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate said vulnerable children and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) are among those most affected because they struggle to access essential social welfare services.

He said limited funding for emergency interventions, rising numbers of clients, staff burnout and key vacant positions continue to place pressure on the region’s already stretched resources.

“Social service delivery is severely constrained by the critical shortage of social workers,” he said.

He said the region does not have emergency shelters or designated places of safety for vulnerable individuals requiring immediate protection.

Private social worker Pauline Haimene says available social workers often suffer from burnout, stress and fatigue as they often have to put in long hours to finish the work.