Sick and Elderly facing hardships in food queues

ncerned, they are consumers like any other persons but are however more vulnerable, hence they require special and greater protection.  The severe hardships alluded to by the hon. Member have admittedly not spared older and sick persons.  The problem is made worse however by their advanced age and frailty hence their mobility is greatly curtailed.

 

My Ministry has drafted the Older Persons Bill which when enacted will accord preferential treatment to older persons.  Currently my Ministry has the mandate to administer the Social Welfare Assistance Act which provides monthly maintenance allowances to vulnerable members as mentioned by the hon. Member.  In terms of the government resource allocation, my Ministry has budget provisions mentioned by the hon. Member which are under the line of maintenance of elderly persons.  Admittedly, these allocations are not adequate, but I think they go a long way in trying to protect the elderly persons.  The monthly maintenance allowances enable the elderly and sick to buy a basket of basic food items thus preventing them from falling into irreversible welfare losses.  This of course assumes the availability of such goods and services in the market.

 

My Ministry is currently in the process of finalizing the Older Persons Bill which embodies the principle of respect for, and preferential treatment of older persons.  In addition to this legislative framework, government encourages adoption of multi-sectoral approach in addressing issues confronting older persons.

 

In this regard, the corporate world is urged to institute preferential treatment of vulnerable members of society as part of their social responsibility programmes.  This in part entails allowing the sick and elderly to move to the front of queues when making purchases in shops.  A good example of corporate responsibility is OK Zimbabwe’s facility whereby senior citizens are allowed to purchase food items at discounted rates on selected days of the month.  Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) also allows those aged 65 years and above free rides in their buses.  The Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) and some banks do not allow the elderly to stand in queues but give them first preference in service delivery.

 

In conclusion, Mr Speaker Sir, it is my Ministry’s desire that all businesses adopt this approach, including the shopkeepers which the hon. Member talks about.  Such responses which preserve the respect, dignity and rights of older and sick persons are what my Ministry strives for.  We should all work towards creating an environment which is protective and supportive of the needs of vulnerable persons.

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