The dream of acquiring one of the basic needs, shelter, is now perceived to be attainable after the introduction of the public servants mortgage loan scheme. This was a general feeling among the government heads of departments, who attended the meeting held by officials from Public Service, Remuneration Benefits on Wednesday 27 November,2002.

One of the heads of departments, interviewed, Mrs. 'Malerato Makaaka, said if the scheme operate as explained, it will correct a situation where majority of public servants never had houses, while some would use their benefit at the end of the term of office to build uncompleted cubicles. The heads of departments, however, raised concern that judging at the interest rates of the loans, junior officer may not be entitled although the scheme is labelled to be for all public servants.

Responding, the officers, from Public Service Remuneration and Benefits, said it is a nature of the long-term loans to have high interest rates. They encouraged people to ask for loans, which are within their means. They noted that where possible, people could ask loans to complete their buildings, after buying materials on their own. They noted that many officer, including those with grades below five have already applied for loans, though the major problem until now is absence of leases, which is difficult to get. They said, the issues is hoped to be solved soon as the principal secretary for local government responsible for authorising the leases is in the housing committee.

The government guarantee 15 percent principal loan against deposit, while benefits under the scheme include building and buying a house, completing the ongoing construction as well as the renovations. The legible public servants are those who are permanent, pensionable, contracts and temporary with 10 years service, while relevant documents for application are lease, building permit, house plan, copies of certified
passports, current pay slips and quotations from three building contractors. The scheme was published in a circular released in April, and the public service is currently conducting campaigns in the district to inform the civil servants about the scheme.

28 November,2002