GOVERNMENT has set aside US$16 million towards payment of outstanding allowances to civil servants hired for a mop up mobile registration exercise last year.
Civil servants were up in arms with their employer over delayed payments with some expressing doubt that they would receive the money. Others were also worried that the money would be worthless when they finally receive it owing to hyperinflation and the ever rising cost of living.
In a memo dated February 27, 2024, Finance ministry permanent secretary George Guvamatanga promised to have the outstanding payments cleared in three batches between now and May 2024.
The memo seen by NewsDay is titled: Request for payment of US$16 002 000 to clear outstanding mop up mobile registration exercise allowances for Civil Registration Department.
Guvamatanga said the civil servants would receive their dues in foreign currency.
“The exercise did not receive cash support during the 2023 financial budget. Our letter dated October 23, 2023, also refers,” the memo read in part.
It is addressed to the Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage ministry secretary ambassador Raphael Faranisi.
“Given the resource constraints against competing demands related to government programmes and projects, Treasury commits to settle the outstanding amount in three batches commencing in March 2024.
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“In order to restore value lost due to depreciation, payment of allowances will be made in foreign currency. Accordingly, Treasury will release the resources for payment of outstanding allowances over three months.” further read the memo.
Guvamatanga copied the letter to Finance minister Mthuli Ncube, his deputy David Mnangagwa, chief secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya.
Other senior officials who are copied the letter include Edwin Zvandasara, the accountant-general, Percy Takavarasha, chief director for expenditure management and one A Mukurazhizha who is director of recurrent expenditure management.
Prior to this memo, NewsDay had spoken to civil servants who expressed displeasure over the delayed payments.
