BY GADIOSA LAMTEY
5th November 2013
One of the pensioners, Asha Mtambalike, told The Guardian in an exclusive interview that they have been facing problems getting their money since their payments were channeled through the Treasury.
“Earlier we were receiving our pension dues directly from TRL and we did not experience any problem. But since the new system started we have been encountering difficulties including delays in receiving the money,” Mtambalike said.
She said they have not received their payments since July this year and some of them do not know where to go for their unpaid dues.
“We don’t know what to do as many of us depend on the money to get our basic needs,” she said.
Another pensioner, Stella Valimbi said: “I went to the Treasury but one of the staff told me that he did not know anything about the pension payments for the former railway workers. He advised me to go to another office in the city centre for clarification.”
The sad thing is that pensioners have not formed any association that could help them to get their rights, including demanding for pensions, she said. “We are struggling individually as some of our fellows live upcountry,” she added.
“The government has abandoned us. We and our families are living a very unhappy life because we are no longer employed. We depend on the pension,” she added.
She appealed for help from the government, saying some of them have already become old and sick and cannot visit the Treasury for their pensions.
Yet another pensioner, who preferred anonymity, said they met with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance yesterday and were told that the matter was under discussion and that they would get a response tomorrow.
“We are still waiting for the feedback, since the meeting has been held. If the payments are not settled we will continue to put pressure on those concerned so that we get our money,” said the pensioner.
The Deputy Finance minister Saada Mkuya said the pensioners should go to the Treasury where they will be assisted on the procedures to follow to get their pensions.
“I told them to see the officers who deal with pensioners, who will assist them. I will also make a follow-up to see how far they have gone,” she said.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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