The Omaheke region has only three social workers serving all seven constituencies, placing severe strain on social welfare services. “Social service delivery is severely constrained by the critical shortage of social workers,” he said. 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. She says sometimes social workers serve broader communities. “Qualified social workers are in high demand across institutions, including the Ministry of Health and Social Services, correctional facilities, police and private sector organisations,” he said.