Ngamiland DC defends pension staff

"The arrears are always paid and to avoid late payments, the pensioners should always make life declarations to confirm that they are still living and if they fail to collect their dues, the money is returned to the revenue office," Omogae Modimoopelo has told Mmegi. He dismissed accusations levelled against staff handling social benefit payments for the delay. He said some pensioners are highly mobile and cannot be located by paying officers.

At the time of going to press, the Maun Post Master was not available for comment. At the Post Office, Cecilia Gwabango of Khwai (74) who was in a long queue to receive her pension complained about unpaid arrears running into six months. "They always tell me to go to the DC's office when I inquire about the arrears," she said.