Staff Reporter

Civil servants are in high spirits as the government announced a significant increase in their remuneration, a move that brings some relief, amid ongoing economic challenges.

The salary adjustment comes at a time when the government devalued the ZIG currency to minimize the gap between the official and parallel market rates, a positive step, particularly for public sector workers who have long endured rising inflation and the erosion of their purchasing power.

Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions Mrs. Priscilla Alexander confirmed development.

“Following a series of meetings by the National Joint Negotiation Council (NJNC), the two parties later met at Kaguvi building in Harare and agreed that; review of salary by USD40 payable in local currency at the prevailing bank rate across the board for the grades of deputy director and below with effect from 01 September 2014…under the president’s directive we have prioritized the up-liftment of lower income employees to bridge the wage gap,” she said in a statement

One government worker, who preferred to remain anonymous, hailed the pay hike as a much-needed relief allowing them to better support their families and improve their quality of life.

"We’ve been working under challenging conditions, with our salaries barely enough to cover the cost of living. This increase will make a significant difference, especially as we approach the holiday season,” she said

The salary increase is expected to help alleviate the financial burden has been faced by teachers, health workers, and other government employees, who have been struggling to meet their basic needs in recently.

While the news has been welcomed by civil servants, one uniformed government worker cautioned that, the salary boost is only part of the solution which must be sustained while, the stability of the Zimbabwe dollar (ZIG), remains a critical factor.

 "While the salary increase is a welcome development, its effectiveness will ultimately depend on whether the government can stabilize inflation and ensure that the ZIG holds its value after the recent regulation. I am sure the government will stop the currency from fluctuating to enable this relief from the pay rise to be long term and permanent,” said Madondo

The government’s decision to increase civil servant salaries comes amid positive efforts to stabilize the country’s financial system and improve living standards for public sector workers.