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(Last Updated on January 12, 2021 by GERALD NCUBE)

HARARE – The Government has announced the extension of the US$75 Covid-19 allowance for civil servants which was introduced last year to cushion government workers against the harsh economic impacts of the pandemic.

Government had initially extended this allowance back in September up to December 2020 but says the recent surge in Covid-19 cases has meant another extension with effect from this month.

Public Service Commission Secretary Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe said civil servants including contract workers and Aides for the Visually-Impaired will receive the equivalent of US$75 while Pensioners will receive the equivalent of US$30.

“In September 2020, Government extended payment of Covid-19 allowances up to December 2020. In light of the surge in Covid-19 cases in Zimbabwe, Government has, with effect from January 2021, further extended payment of Covid-19 allowances to members of the Public Service, Pensioners, Contract Workers in Various Line Ministries and Aides of the Visually-Impaired.

“Members of the Public Service including Contract Workers and Aides of the Visually-Impaired will be paid the local currency (ZWL$) equivalent of US$75 while Pensioners will get the local currency (ZWL$) equivalent of US$30. Payment will be made in ZWL$ at the prevailing auction rate on the date of payment,” said Wutawunashe.

Wutawunashe further said the equivalent US$75 for Contract Workers and Aides of the Visually-Impaired will be backdated to 1 June 2020.

He also said the duration of these allowances will be subject to the status of the pandemic and budgetary capacity.