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Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
The National Social Security Authority (NSSA)’s initiative to enhance the well-being of paraplegic and quadriplegic pensioners has begun to gather momentum in Manicaland, with 13 pensioners benefitting so far.
There are 102 beneficiaries at national level.
The new phase of the Project Dzimba initiative drills solar-powered boreholes for beneficiaries.
It also renovates their homes under the Accident Prevention and Workers Compensation Scheme (APWCS) to make them more accessible and comfortable to the beneficiaries.
Speaking during the third session of a NSSA and Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC)-organised Journalist Mentorship Programme recently, NSSA’s acting deputy director contributions and compliance, Mr Vusa Mdlongwa said for injured members to qualify for the initiative, their employers should have been paying APWCS premiums on behalf of them religiously.
“The APWCS premium amount is wholly funded by the employer, and therefore no deductions are made on employees’ earnings. The rates are regularly reviewed and gazetted,” he said.
Mr Mlongwa urged employees to continue checking if their employers are paying the premiums on their behalf so that they benefit from Project Dzimba if the need arises.
In an interview with Post Business, NSSA’s deputy director (marketing and public relations), Mr Tendai Mutseyekwa said the project seeks to empower pensioners to live more independently and comfortably in their own homes, while also allowing their families to start income generating projects.
Mr Mutseyekwa said the initiative provides assistive devices, home modifications and psychosocial support to beneficiaries.
“The new phase now includes the provision of portable water. The technical plans to the cottage and hut that beneficiaries were receiving previously have been expanded.
“Ablution facilities have also been extended to all beneficiaries because previously, only those on wheelchairs were being considered,” he said.
Mr Mutseyekwa said the provision of water, which is a basic right, was included to promote the production of fresh nutritional food.
NSSA said Project Dzimba is part of its social responsibility and commitment to the welfare of beneficiaries.
Mr Mutseyekwa said one of the challenges that NSSA was facing in rehabilitating and reintegrating injured workers into their communities was lack of adequate housing for some of them. Mr Nhamo San’anza (44) of San’anza Village under Chief Mutasa is one of the beneficiaries of the Project Dzimba.
Mr San’anza suffered a spinal injury 19 years ago while working at a tea estate in Honde Valley.
He has been using a wheelchair since then.
Mr San’anza expressed appreciation for the borehole that was drilled for him.
He said the borehole has eased water challenges for his caregiver, Ms Susan San’anza.
“I am very grateful to NSSA for this borehole. It has improved my sanitation and hygiene. The new toilet is wheelchair-friendly and convenient. I can also water my banana plants and turn this into a business to earn some income,” he said.
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