Amidst discontent among civil servants over delayed payments for their involvement in a mop-up mobile registration exercise last year, the government has earmarked US$16 million towards clearing these outstanding allowances.
Concerns had mounted among civil servants regarding the timeliness and value of their payments, given the country’s hyperinflation and escalating living costs.
A memorandum dated February 27, 2024, issued by Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga, assured civil servants of payment in foreign currency, addressing worries about the depreciation of the local currency.
The memo, titled “Request for payment of US$16,002,000 to clear outstanding mop-up mobile registration exercise allowances for Civil Registration Department,” outlines a phased approach to settle the dues by May 2024.
Guvamatanga’s assurance comes in response to mounting pressure from civil servants, who had voiced concerns about the delayed payments and potential loss of value.
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The Finance Ministry commits to disbursing the allocated funds in three installments, beginning in March 2024, to address the financial constraints faced by civil servants involved in the registration exercise.
The memo, addressed to Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ministry Secretary Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, highlights the absence of financial support for the exercise in the 2023 budget and underscores the need to restore lost value due to currency depreciation.
Key government officials, including Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, Deputy David Mnangagwa, and Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya, were copied on the memo, emphasizing the government’s commitment to resolving the payment delays.
This development follows prior discontent among civil servants over the prolonged delay in receiving their allowances, reflecting the challenges faced by public sector employees amidst economic uncertainties.
