Tanzania: Law to protect senior citizens for 2013

THE government expects to table a bill to protect the rights and development of elderly citizens in next year’s Parliamentary session that will meet in April.

The Deputy Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Seif Rashid, said a draft bill has already been presented and discussed by stakeholders. “We are making changes on the draft bill, so we can present it to the Cabinet Secretariat to get approval to enact the law on rights for elderly people.

Due to its importance we will table the said bill in the April parliamentary session next year. The deputy minister was responding to a principle question from Margaret Agnes Mkanga, (Special Seats-CCM) who wanted to know when the government would enact the law to deal with elderly people.

Ms Mkanga also noted that by delaying enacting the law, provision of free services to senior citizens will continue to be on grounds of compassion rather it being their right. Dr Rashid said despite delays in tabling the bill, the government has taken measures to ensure old people’s welfare is improved.

Among measures taken to improve the lives of elderly people in the country include recognition by the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) of the needs and problems facing old people. Some districts and municipal councils have started setting aside funds for improving services rendered to old people in the country, he said, noting that those that have not started should do so.

Dr Rashid also noted that the government has directed all responsible authorities to pardon old people who are not capable of paying for their rents. “The government also directed all districts, councils and regional medical doctors to establish clinics for old people in a move to improve health services provided to them,” he said.

Responding to Ms Jenista Mhagama’s (Peramiho –CCM) supplementary question on whether the law will include the issue of old people’s pensions, the Minister for Labour and Employment, Ms Gaudentia Kabaka, said her ministry has started preparing the pension and they will start getting the same in next financial year.

Source: Daily News (07/08/2012): http://dailynews.co.tz/index.php/parliament-news/8329-law-to-protect-senior-citizens-for-2013