National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has turned the former Beitbridge Rainbow Hotel into a transit isolation facility to cater for the returning residents from South Africa.
The organisation also availed Ekusileni Medical Centre in Bulawayo for the accommodation of patients undergoing treatment for COVID-19.
“As you know His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa recently declared COVID-19 a national disaster, which means every Zimbabwean is expected to play their part in fighting this deadly virus. Through the banner, ‘NSSA for Good’, we have availed the two facilities to government as our humble contribution towards this national cause,” NSSA’s Acting General Manager, Arthur Manase said.
“We also remain committed to rendering further assistance within our ability, as may be requested by government.”
Besides unveiling the two facilities, NSSA also offered a bonus with concern about the welfare of pensioners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have taken measures to help our pensioners, who constitute a very vulnerable group in times such as these, by awarding them a once off discretionary bonus that is equivalent to a month’s pay-out,” Manase said.
“This bonus will be incorporated into our April payroll; hence our pensioners can look out for it via the usual channels.”
“I, however, want to encourage pensioners not to visit banks but resort to alternative means to access their money, such as mobile money and bank cards. Pensioners should also observe social distancing and are strongly discouraged from joining long queues for commodities. NSSA appeals to shops and service providers to consider the plight of pensioners by making special arrangements for them to be served in a safe environment,” he said.
The social security authority also donated towards the repair of an ICU ventilator at Mutare General Hospital.
Manase said as an Authority that was formed to provide social security for the generality of Zimbabweans, it was befitting for NSSA to step in to complement the government’s efforts.
NSSA took over the Beitbridge hotel facility after the Rainbow Towers Group exited due to losses incurred for two years.