Elderly people and pensioners in Zimbabwe are urging the government to exempt them from paying for water and electricity. Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, voiced his support for this initiative, stating that providing free social services to elderly individuals is in line with the ethos of the liberation struggle. Mudenda made these remarks while visiting the Chinotimba Old People’s Home in Victoria Falls, where he handed over goods worth approximately US$4,000 donated by the Parliament of Zimbabwe.
During the event, Mudenda emphasized the importance of honoring the elderly and acknowledged their significant role as the pillars of families and communities. He highlighted the need for communities to care for the elderly, especially those who are left unsupported due to changing lifestyles and deaths in their families. Mudenda called on the Mayor of Victoria Falls to engage with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) to exempt the elderly from water and electricity payments, citing the financial challenges they face. He argued that providing these basic utilities free of charge is a way to ensure that elderly individuals can enjoy their final years.
Mudenda also urged Old Mutual and other insurance companies to contribute to the provision of services for the elderly. He suggested that these companies, which profited from the contributions of the elderly during their working years, should aid the government’s efforts. Furthermore, Mudenda called on tour operators and hospitality players to follow the example set by Elephant Hills Resort and donate to old people’s homes.
In addition to the donation of goods, the Parliament of Zimbabwe also assisted in repairing a clinic at the old people’s home and furnished it with essential medical equipment. Mudenda encouraged aspiring councillors and members of Parliament to identify vulnerable elderly individuals who could be accommodated in homes.
The donation of goods received praise from the board member of the home, Mrs. Netty Chindedza, who expressed gratitude for the contribution and its potential to improve the lives of the elderly. The secretary for health in Hwange, Cde Handsome Nyathi, and the clerk of Parliament, Mr. Kennedy Chokuda, commended the timely assistance provided by the Parliament of Zimbabwe. Additionally, the mayor’s representative, Councillor Tonderai Mutasa, assured that the donation would ensure adequate food supplies for the home’s residents.
The Parliament of Zimbabwe aims to make an annual donation to a charity home in a particular province, and this year, the focus is on Matabeleland North. Mudenda assured attendees that the ruling party would follow up on these initiatives to bridge any gaps in the provision of services for the elderly.
Overall, this effort to exempt elderly people and pensioners from water and electricity payments demonstrates a commitment to supporting the well-being and quality of life of the elderly population in Zimbabwe. The donation of goods and the call for further contributions from companies and organizations highlight the importance of collective efforts in caring for the elderly and ensuring their needs are met.
