Khomasdal pension payments proceed without delays
Pension payments at the Khomasdal NamPost branch continued without disruption this week, despite concerns raised by some residents over the pace of the ongoing pension re-registration process.
The concerns emerged after pensioners alleged that more than 2 000 elderly people were attempting to re-register for their grants at the branch while only one official was available to assist. It was further claimed that the re-registration process is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, raising fears that some beneficiaries could struggle to meet the deadline.
However, a visit by Network Media Hub (NMH) to the branch found that pension payments were being processed smoothly, with beneficiaries receiving their grants without delays. No shortage of staff was observed.
Pensioner Hilma Shilunga (76) said she experienced no difficulties when collecting her grant.
"We have not experienced any inconveniences with the payments this morning. Everything went perfectly well and fast too," she said.
Another pensioner, Eric Kamati (64), echoed her sentiments, saying he received his money without any issues and was satisfied with the service.
The concerns come against the backdrop of payment disruptions experienced last year when chaos erupted at Namibia Post Limited (NamPost) headquarters in Windhoek after pensioners discovered they could not access their old-age grants.
At the time, the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare attributed the delays to technical difficulties affecting payments for beneficiaries receiving grants through NamPost.
"The ministry hereby informs disability and old-age grant beneficiaries that payments for beneficiaries receiving grants via NamPost have been delayed due to technical difficulties," the ministry said in a statement.
Beneficiaries were subsequently advised to collect their grants the following day.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience," the ministry said at the time.
