Katima Mulilo
Katima Mulilo Urban Constituency Councillor Benard Sibalatani has commended the Regional Pensioners’ Association for promoting the welfare of the elderly in the region. Sibalatani was speaking during the belated celebration of the Day of Older Persons in Katima Mulilo recently.
According to Sibalatani, creating the association was a step in the right direction, as it has enhanced and promoted the interests of older persons in the region: “It is a step ahead that you have established a regional board, which promotes and protects the interests and wellbeing of older people. The pensioners’ association has done tremendous work in fighting for the rights of elderly people in the Zambezi Region. Today older people have their own queues in banks and shops.”
He further noted that in light of the escalation of HIV and AIDS that has resulted in increased numbers of orphans left in the care of the elderly, there was a need for a strengthened social support networks for the elderly.
“HIV and AIDS is a problem in the country, with many orphans [as a result]. A number of elderly people, therefore, need social support. A meagre old pension is not enough to feed these orphans. Older people should have access to adequate food, water, shelter and community support,” pleaded Sibalatani.
Chairperson of the Regional Pensioners’ Association Boniface Limbo echoed similar sentiments by highlighting some of the achievements of the association, adding that it has become problematic for the association to visit the elderly in their specific areas, due to the vastness of the region and the lack of transport.
“The association has managed to make sure that there are no queues for the elderly in banks and senior citizens are also recognised and respected by some businesspeople. However, we have challenges of finances and transport in terms of visiting our senior citizens,” Limbo explained.
He further lauded government for the recent 66% increase in the old age pension.
Government Institutions Pension Fund regional social services consultant Reagan Maiba implored the elderly to refrain from counter-productive tendencies, such as alcohol and drug abuse, noting that such behaviour is detrimental to society.
“We should refrain from engaging in alcohol and drug abuse. We should teach our young people good moral values and we should be an inspiration to the new generation,” Maiba advised.