Caxito - Former combatants and veterans of the homeland in Bengo Province defended Monday, in Caxito commune, the need to review law no. 13/02, of 15 October, and its regulations, with the aim of improving their living conditions.
In a message on the occasion of the Day of the Former Combatant and Veteran of the Homeland, they emphasised that the law on the former combatant and war disabled exempts the payment of some emoluments, which in reality does not happen on a daily basis.
The former combatants called for the census process to be made less bureaucratic and for a substantial increase in the value of the pension, currently estimated at 23,000 Kwanzas.
Speaking at the event, the deputy provincial governor for the Political, Social and Economic Sector, José Bartolomeu Pedro, said that the Government is aware of the various problems that the former combatants are going through, especially with regard the small amount of the pension.
"The valorisation of the former combatant must be a permanent recognition for everyone," he said.
In turn, Óscar Bangula, the director of the Provincial Office for Former Combatants and Veterans of the Homeland said that the aim of celebrating this day was to sensitise the younger generation about the reasons why the nationalists fought.
To date, Bengo Province Office controls over 9,000 pensioners.
The 15th of January was set by the Angolan government with the aim of honouring and dignifying the heroes of the armed struggle for national liberation and defence of the homeland.
FS/CJ/IF/MRA/jmc
