TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
Elderly Bulawayo residents are appealing for help from the authorities amid revelations most of them are struggling to eke out a living, pay for their rates and medicines.
Speaking to Business Times this week, a senior citizen, Eunice Khanye from New Luveve high density suburb said it has been tough to survive in the tough economic environment.
“It’s really hard to be a senior citizen. There’s a lot that we are asking from the responsible authorities. As you can see I am stuck in this wheelchair and of course old age. I cannot work because of my current condition,” Khanye said.
“If they [authorities] could help us with finances to help us run our day to day lives, we have to pay bills, get medication and groceries for our upkeep.”
Last week, Bulawayo Town clerk, Christopher Dube said senior residents who are 70 years of age and above should apply for the rate rebate scheme as most pensioners struggle to pay their bills and risk losing their properties.
Dube said the rate rebate scheme was introduced in 2009 by the local authority.
“Applicants must be 70 years and above, own and be residing in the property registered under their name. Only those who are found to be vulnerable are recommended for assistance,” Dube said.
This resolution was ratified by Bulawayo City Council in 2019 that senior citizens aged 70 years and above would be eligible for a 50% rate rebate.
Member of Parliament for Pumula constituency Sichelesile Mahlangu said pensioners were facing economic challenges that are prevailing in the country with a majority failing to pay for basics such as rentals and buy food as their monthly stipends are too little.
On average, Zimbabwean pensioners get around ZWL$6 000 per month.
Most of them have to travel long distances to collect their monthly stipends at the People’s Own Savings Bank.
Mahlangu said the pensioners still take care of their family members.
“Pumula constituency consists of older people mostly. And most of them are pensioners. They are paid a little amount of money. It becomes difficult because most of them are guardians as they keep their grandchildren, as most of them are orphans, “she said.
