In the Mid-Year Budget Review Statement delivered in Parliament on February 26, Minister of Finance Felix Mlusu has revealed that pension arrears amounting up to K42bn will be paid to retired civil servants.

According to the statement, K400 million is currently expected to be realised during the second half to clear the backlog of pension arrears. Ministry of Finance spokesperson Williams Banda said the K42.2 billion arrears will be paid to 3303 retired workers who are on the waiting list.

“The arrears are piling up due to voluntary retirement as opposed to mandatory retirement. Workers are retiring early because of health conditions and looking for greener pastures,” he said. “The arrears are piling up due to voluntary retirement as opposed to mandatory retirement. Workers are retiring early because of health conditions and looking for greener pastures,” he said.