Mohale FM The Office of the Ombudsman (OoO) has noted with serious concern continued reports and complaints regarding delays in the payment of Old Age Pensions (OAP) and other social assistance grants in Lesotho.
The complaints received suggest that some beneficiaries experience prolonged delays in accessing benefits intended to support their basic needs, including food, healthcare, transport and other essential living expenses.
These concerns affect some of the most vulnerable members of society, including elderly persons, persons with disabilities and impoverished households.
The OoO recalls that in 2024 it investigated a complaint involving a pensioner whose OAP was delayed for approximately fifteen (15) months due to administrative failures within the Ministry responsible for social development.
The Ombudsman found that the delay amounted to maladministration and recommended measures to improve service delivery, establish clear timelines for processing pensions and prevent similar occurrences in future.
