Pensioners feeling the pinch

TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO

Pensioners in Bulawayo are feeling the heat of worsening economic conditions as their monthly payout is too little.

Speaking to Business Times, the chairman of the Zimbabwe National Pensioners Forum Trust, Winos Dube said most of the insurance policies they had had collapsed, appealing to the authorities  to take care of the pensioners.

“What has remained  now is the National Social Security Authority (NSSA),one big investment that we now found ourselves in. But, what we get from NSSA is not enough. We appeal for help.”

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 (POSB), meaning the little amount they get is wiped out by transport costs.

“As pensioners, we are crying for more,” Dube said.

The secretary of the Zimbabwe Railways Pensioners Association secretary, Musa Gwethu,  concurred with Dube.

He said pensioners want part of their payouts in United States (US) dollars.

“The pricing of goods and services is being indexed in the US dollar using the parallel market. As pensioners we would like to see part of their pensions to be paid in foreign currency.”

In August, 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 risking losing their properties.

“The City of Bulawayo resolved to introduce a Rate Rebate Scheme that seeks to provide rates’ relief to vulnerable elderly residents in the city. Applicant’s details are then forwarded to Housing and Community Services Department for assessment by Social Workers

“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.

Pensioners  across the country are crying foul over the failure by the Insurance and Pensions Commission to compensate them for losses incurred when the country  in 2009 ditched the Zimbabwe dollar due to inflationary pressures.

Zimbabwe adopted the multi-currency regime.