Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda has called on lawmakers to ensure the proposed State Services (Pensions) Bill provides adequate financial security and dignity for retirees.
Speaking at a sensitization workshop at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, Mudenda emphasized that public servants dedicate their most productive years to national service and deserve a pension system that guarantees their well-being after retirement.
He highlighted concerns that the bill, while aligning with constitutional provisions, must go beyond monetary pensions to include healthcare and social support, as seen in other countries. Mudenda also stressed the need for a sustainable pension fund, urging the inclusion of business-minded professionals on its board to ensure financial stability.
“As we craft this new state pensions framework, we must acknowledge the evolving socio-economic landscape and ensure our retirees are not left behind,” he said.
Parliamentarians were tasked with consulting the public on the bill, in line with constitutional provisions that mandate citizen participation in legislative processes.
