Zambia: The Government has released over 10 Million Kwacha to pay former government workers who were retrenched in 1997, 1998 and 1999.
Kasama District Commissioner Elizabeth Goma says the money will be used to pay those who were retrenched and retirees from the different government departments across the country.
Further, Goma added that the money will be paid in phases, stating that 220 people are expected to be paid in the first phase.
Speaking when addressing the retrenchees and retirees in Kasama today, the District Commissioner said the government is committed to ensuring that all 19,000 retrenchees and retirees dating as far back as 20 years are paid.
“People worked for their money, and the government will ensure that they are paid,” she said.
“However, expressed sadness that some former employees died before they could get their packages,” added Goma.
She stated that the government would, therefore, ensure that the families of the deceased are paid. Goma has since called on all those who did not submit their documents to do so in order for them to be captured and paid.
Meanwhile, National Chairperson for the Retrenchees, Siyachoke Simemeza, has cautioned his members to be wary of scammers.
Simemeza said people are aware that the government has started paying retirees, and they might want to take advantage of the situation to steal from them.
He has also commended the government for releasing the money to pay the retirees.
Simemeza further clarified that people should not travel to Lusaka to claim this money as everyone will be paid through their bank accounts. He advised those receiving money for their relatives who are late, to ensure they invest the money wisely so that it benefits the family.
“People have waited for a long time to get this money, and many have died before they could be paid,” Simemeza noted. And Peter Mulenga, a retrenchee, has commended the government for releasing the funds to pay them.
Mulenga said he stopped work 22 years ago and has not received anything from his retirement package. He said the move by the government shows that it cares for the people and wants to uplift their lives.
