By Own Correspondent

CIVIL servants have hailed the bonus payments windfall on the back of calls for the government to do more to cushion them in the wake of rising hardships.

The payouts — which started recently will be  released in two instalments to ease pressure on the banking system and minimise queues. According to the plans, 50 percent of the bonus is being paid together with November salaries, while the remaining half will be disbursed in December.

Civil Service Apex Council chairperson Cecilia Alexander said workers were relieved that the Government had honoured its promise but urged continued dialogue on outstanding welfare issues.

“We welcome the payment of bonuses because it brings relief to workers at a critical time of the year. However, there is still a lot that needs to be addressed regarding salaries and general conditions of service and we hope for more meaningful engagements next year,” Alexander said.

Traditional leaders and their messengers are also set to receive their annual bonuses under the same arrangement. The bonus payments, which come as part of the Government's commitment to recognizing the contributions of public sector workers, are expected to keep banks and retail outlets busy throughout the next week as more civil servants access their funds.

Most civil servants receive very paltry salaries averaging US$270 and a couple of thousands in ZWG currency which falls quite below the Poverty Datum Line (PDL).