In Zanzibar, members of the House of Representatives, under the leadership of Women's Representative Mr. Jabu Makame Juma, have raised significant concerns regarding the delays in disbursing monthly social pensions to elderly citizens who have reached the qualifying age. These concerns highlight the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the country, particularly those who depend on government support for their livelihood. The representatives are pressing for accountability and improved processes to ensure that eligible individuals receive their pension benefits on time.

In response to these concerns, Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Ms. Zawadi Amour Nassor, explained that many elderly citizens who qualify for the Universal Pension are unable to receive it due to lack of official documentation. The verification process has revealed instances where eligible elderly individuals do not possess birth certificates or valid identification that could confirm their age, which is a prerequisite to receive pension payments. This situation poses significant barriers to the intended support for this demographic group who are often in dire need of financial assistance.

The Deputy Minister outlined the process that needs to be followed for pension eligibility, which involves the recording of names by local leaders known as Shehas, verification by social welfare officers, and finally submission to the Ministry of Finance for payment. This multi-step process indicates both a bureaucratic challenge and the need for increased awareness and assistance for elderly citizens to obtain necessary identification documents. The ongoing discussions in the House of Representatives are integral to pushing forward reforms that could expedite pension deliveries and improve the overall welfare of elderly Tanzanians.