Pension on wheels:

WINDHOEKDENVER ISAACS State pensioners in remote areas of the country can look forward to a new initiative by the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF). 'Pension on Wheels' is the name yesterday given by the organisation to its new mobile office, a customised van with which it intends to extend its national reach. At the launch ceremony held in Windhoek yesterday, GIPF chairperson Elaine Samson said the customised vehicle cost N$700 000. It is now to be equipped with a dedicated team of client service consultants, who will be responsible for handling claims and fund rule queries, benefit and income statements, registration services and biometric verification of members' identities. At present, the GIPF has eight regional offices supported by its headquarters in Windhoek. These are situated in Gobabis, Ondangwa, Oshakati, Otjiwarongo, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Keetmanshoop and Swakopmund. “These are, however not adequate given the geographical spread of our membership and this leaves many members and beneficiaries travelling long distances for services at our offices,” Samson told GIPF staff and members in attendance. “The mobile van will thus serve all areas where the Fund does not have any representation while we continue to make assessments of additional office requirements in other regions.” The van is to go into operation in the immediate future, she said, with the schedule for a countrywide roadshow currently being finalised. “We hope that this service will address pertinent queries and assist us in shortening our turnaround times for the provision of products and services,” Samson said.