Maseru, Dec. 18 — Elderly people residing in Maseru district, who did not register their names during the Old Age Proof of Life exercise are urged to register at Maseru Post Office and Pitso Ground on January 10.
The call was made by the Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development Mr. Pitso Lesaoana in his statement, warning that payments of those who fail to show up will be ceased immediately.
He stated that the exercise commenced in August and ended in November this year thus those who did not register during that period are given the last opportunity.
He also indicated that the Ministry, through its officers strived to ensure old age pensioners who did not show up at offices are registered as officers went to homes of those whose pension is received by their caretakers although they did not find others.
He said they received a report that some did not show up due to illness and inability to walk.
He also highlighted that of the 18429 elderly people who receive the old age pension in Maseru district, 13580 were registered while 2422 did not, indicating that 2416 receive their money through their caretakers.
Meanwhile, the Minister said they have received a report that 116 elderly people based in Mokhotlong are alleged to have died thus the Ministry is yet to announce their names to enlighten their Chiefs, Councillors, District Administrator and Members of Parliament.
Majority of Old Age Pensioners are receiving their M950 pension digitally through Mpesa and Eco-cash.
Ends/LP/BM
