Maseru, Feb.16- Civil servants, elderly people and vendors have expressed high expectations for the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates, citing the rising cost of living as a key concern that should prompt government intervention.
In separate interviews with LENA on Monday, one civil servant, Ms. Mampho Mohapi, acknowledged the country’s economic challenges and high unemployment rate but noted that public servants have received only a two percent salary increment for three consecutive years.
She said civil servants are expecting a salary increase of between 20 and 25 percent to cushion them against rising inflation, fuel prices, food costs and other basic expenses.
An elderly citizen, Mr. Tlokotsi Rapitsi, said pensioners are hopeful for a M100 increase in the old age pension, instead of the M50 increments that have been awarded in previous years.
He said many elderly people are now primary caregivers to their grandchildren due to unemployment and deaths among the younger generation, adding that the increasing cost of living has placed additional pressure on them.
Vendors, on the other hand, called for greater transparency and accountability in the allocation of business support funds. They said they have not yet received a report on the disbursement of the M400 million that was allocated to finance businesses, improve access to credit, promote entrepreneurship and drive inclusive economic growth.
Khathang Tema Baits’okoli Chairperson, Mr. Ts’olo Lebitsa, said vendors have limited expectations from the upcoming budget, as they have not been informed about how many businesses benefited from the M400 million facility. He further noted that although the Prime Minister previously pledged to construct market centres at Mafafa and other areas within Maseru, no visible progress has been made to date.
During the 2025/2026 financial year, government effected a two percent across-the-board salary adjustment, while the old age pension was increased by M50.
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