Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube has said the government will increase the monthly COVID-19 cash transfers to vulnerable members of society from the current ZWL$300 per month.
Presenting the 2021 national budget in the National Assembly this Thursday, Ncube revealed that the government has allocated ZWL$2.4 billion for the programme, with ZWL$98 million having already been disbursed. He said:
To cushion the vulnerable members of society, the Government allocated ZWL$2.4 billion for COVID-19 cash transfers.
The identification of beneficiaries is ongoing and it is expected that the number will significantly increase. So far, over 202 077 beneficiaries are in the database and already receiving allowances.
At current monthly allowances of ZWL$300 per household, Treasury has disbursed ZWL$98 million through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour & Social Welfare towards vulnerable households.
In view of the escalating cost of living, the monthly allowances are being increased and Treasury is making the necessary adjustments on this facility.
The current ZWL$300 per household per month is roughly equivalent to US$3 and for a household of at least 5 members, the amount contributes very little to their well-being.