By Talent Gondo| The government of Zimbabwe owns and exclusively runs only 1 out of all the 29 old people’s homes in the country.

This was revealed by Labour and Social Welfare minister, Petronella Kagonye while presenting oral evidence before parliament on the state of welfare for older persons in Zimbabwe.

Minister Kagonye told parliament that of the 29 old people’s homes in the country, 28 were privately run with her ministry providing the oversight role and assisting the elderly with US$15 per head monthly which is allocated to the homes as government aid.

“There are 29 old people’s homes in Zimbabwe and out of those 29, only 1 is wholly owned and run by government,” said Kagonye.

She said the government owned old people’s home was at Harare Central Hospital.

“However, we pay a US$15 per person monthly allowance for every old person who is being taken care of at registered people’s homes.

We understand that this money is not adequate but as government, we sometimes chip in with maize, rice or any other donation that may be available,” said Kagonye.

The Labour and Social Welfare Minister said her ministry was seized with the plight of old people especially those within old people’s homes and said her ministry was currently looking at avenues on how to improve their lives.

In his 2018 election manifesto, President Emmerson Mnangagwa pledged to eradicate poverty through transforming rural communities, creating more social safety nets and increasing budgetary allocation for Social Welfare.

“The party pledges to ensure that the elderly are provided for, as enshrined in the Constitution,” read the manifesto.

According to Section 82 of the Constitution, the elderly who are above 70 years, have three broad rights which include the right to receive reasonable care and assistance from their families, right to receive health care and medical assistance from the State; and right to receive financial support by way of social security and welfare.