GEBE’s Senior Citizen Relief Program (see Monday newspaper) no doubt provides a welcome break to those involved. With the high cost of living, a discount on their monthly utility expenses can mean a significant difference.
After all, it’s no secret that the current old age pension AOV on which many must try to survive is well below a liveable income. In addition, a large number of retired expatriates get only a faction of the full amount based on years of legal residency.
The government-owed company mentioned some misinformation it sought to clarify. The main one seems to be that beneficiaries must submit a recent bill in their name, or – if in that of their spouse – proof of marriage.
Applications apparently were received for bills of adult children, other family members or landlords. GEBE correctly dispelled the notion that denying these somehow constitutes discrimination.
Nevertheless, restricting the offer to account holders – while understandable from a practical point of view – does limit its reach, simply because lots of older persons do not have bills in their names. In the case of tenants, water and electricity are often either included in the rent or paid by them on behalf of the landlord.
So, although the programme is commendable it could be broader-based if, for example, bills of landlords accompanied by a signed valid lease agreement for the accommodation were also accepted. As stated earlier in this column, that would certainly make it more inclusive.
