adminNumber Six by 2015.
MDG six provides for combating of HIV and Aids, malaria and other diseases.
Senators said currently Aids levy collections from the formal sector were not enough to make HIV treatment accessible to everyone.
Currently the Aids levy is pegged at 3 percent of gross salary for those in the formal sector.
Debating a motion on the first report of the Senate thematic committee on Millenium Development Goals and Social Protection Programmes, the senators said the informal sector was driving the economy and has the capacity to contribute significantly to the HIV and Aids pandemic.
They also said there was need for Government to support the Zundera Mambo/Isiphala seNkosi concept through budget allocations.
A member of the committee, Chief Ngungumbane of Midlands said everyone should contribute to fighting HIV and Aids.
“We need to extend Aids levy collections to the informal sector because the economy is surviving on that sector.
“Collections from the formal sector are not enough to cater for our Aids response. Aids is cross-cutting, it does not discriminate whether one is in the informal sector or not. There is therefore need for everyone to contribute to that cause.
“We should all share the burden in achieving MDG 6 and there is need for the National Aids Council Act to be amended to give NAC an oversight role on everyone to comply.
“Everyone should know that access to HIV treatment is a human right not a privilege,” Chief Ngungumbane said.
Chief Chisunga of Mashonaland Central urged Government to provide resources for traditional leaders to give to their subjects.
“We want to urge Government through the Ministry of Finance to provide funds for chiefs.
“It makes no sense for the Government to give the elderly US$20 which they are supposed to collect from the bank. Government should be serious about this because about 75 percent of Senators here will be in need of social protection in the next five to 10 years,” he said.
Masvingo Senator Minah Mandaba urged Government to give more resources to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to cater for the elderly.
“All of us here will be in this category in the next five years. We want to urge Government to revise the US$20 because it’s not sufficient. Beneficiaries don’t even get the whole US$20 because they will need transport money to go to the bank.
“Chiefs should be supported with resources because they stay with the people and they know who needs assistance,” she said.
Senator Mandaba said Government should provide free education to the poor.
“Education should be free especially for those who are covered under BEAM (Basic Education and Assistance Module).
“The money which is used under BEAM should be used for schools refurbishment,” she said.
Online Reporter