By Nobleman Runyanga

Government is set to review pension payments to retirees in view of the ongoing run away cost of living. This was revealed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, George Guvamatanga today.

Responding to a tweet on the matter by entrepreneur, Tichafa Makoni, Guvamatanga indicated that Government was working on reviewing pensions.

“It seems like Government has forgotten about its pensioners for cost of living adjustments. Previously pensions were reviewed (on a) pro rata (basis) whenever public service salaries are reviewed. For 2019 there has (sic) been two reviews but (has been) none for pensioners,” said Makoni.

“The pensions are being reviewed and an announcement will be made soon.”

Government awarded a 29 percent salary increment to civil servants this month following months of negotiations with their representative body, the Apex Council. The increment was preceded by a RTGS$95 per month cushioning allowance effective January which Government paid to civil servants as an interim measure in the light of the prevailing economic hardships.

The impending pensions review is set to improve pensioners’ lot amid the increasing cost of living.