A long-running pension dispute involving former public service workers has resurfaced, with more than 3,300 retirees still awaiting full payment of their recalculated benefits despite a court ruling concluded between 2003 and 2011.
The outstanding amount has risen to approximately K654 million from an initial K360 million, largely due to accumulated interest.
Although payments began in 2016, disbursements have been slow and made in phased batches, leaving many beneficiaries unpaid.
Speaking at a press briefing, Vice National President for the Public Service Pensioners, Retirees and Retrenchees, Mutinta Cheelo, appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema and the government to urgently expedite the settlement of the funds.
Ms Cheelo says that out of more than 5,000 retirees who were retired in national interest in 1999, only about 1,700 have received their full payments.
She adds that the remaining retirees continue to face difficult living conditions as they wait for their dues.
She further expressed concern that the Head of State may be misinformed, as claims that all retirees have been paid do not reflect the situation on the ground.
The retirees also revealed that despite writing several letters to State House, they have not been granted an audience, a situation they say has deepened their frustration.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
