By Patience Rashai

The payment of 40% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) waiting finalisation of salary increment has come as a big lift for civil servants who have been working from home due to the COVID-19 induced regulations.

The COLA payment has come as a result of Government’s firm commitment to offer living wages to the generality of its workforce.

In a statement yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa said Government had gone out of its way to ensure the welfare of civil servants.

“Normally, Government does not effect salary adjustments without a signed agreement, but we have had to go out of our way to cushion our dedicated workers.

“Negotiations at the National Joint Negotiating Council will continue and any agreement arrived at will be honoured in the spirit of collective bargaining,” she said.

In June, Government announced a flat non-taxable COVID-19 allowance of US$75 for civil servants and increased their salaries by 50% while pensioners also got a flat non-taxable COVID-19 allowance of US$30 per month as Government’s way of cushioning its workers from the harsh economy.

Commenting on the 40% COLA adjustment, a teacher who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity applauded Government’s swift salary payment.

“For Government to go out of its way and offer us this salary increment is really commendable. I am comforted Government will also continue with foreign currency allowances until the end of the year,” said the teacher.