The Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) has handed over an assortment of essential food commodities to 120 bedridden pensioners across the country. At a brief presentation ceremony held at the SSHFC head office in Banjul, the Managing Director, Mr Saloum Malang, said the Corporation is concerned about the welfare of its customers, particularly pensioners.
“Our core mandate is social protection and it is something we do not take lightly. Pensioners are dear to us. Somebody sacrificed somewhere someday so that we could enjoy today. These are pensioners who worked for many years to help move this country forward. We value them and will continue to support them,” MD Malang added.
Considering the vulnerability of bedridden pensioners, especially their inability to engage in gainful economic activities, the SSHFC boss said it is important that they are remembered during this period of fasting for both Muslims and Christians.
The representative of pensioners on the SSHFC Board, Alhagie Alieu Faal, and the Public Relations Officer of the Pensioners’ Executive Committee, Mr Alphonse Mendy, expressed appreciation to the Corporation for the support, particularly for those suffering from ill-health. They said the donated items will be distributed to those who need them most.
This gesture, which is the fourth of its kind in recent years, followed countrywide engagement with social security pensioners, coupled with consultations between members of the pensioners’ executive committee and relevant SSHFC officials.
The donated items, worth over 700,000 dalasis, are 120 bags of rice, 120 bags of sugar, 120 drums of vegetable oil, 120 bags of Irish potatoes, and 120 bags of onions.
