NSSF launches special coverage scheme for Tanzanians of Diaspora

By The guardian reporter

NSSF Director General, Dr Ramadhan Dau

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has launched a special Diaspora coverage scheme for Tanzanians living and working in the United Kingdom (UK).


Speaking during the scheme launch at Wembley Park in London at the weekend, NSSF Director General, Dr Ramadhan Dau (pictured) said the Welfare Scheme for in Diaspora (WESTADI) will cover Tanzanians living abroad and selected four dependants who will be entitled for Social Health Insurance Benefits (SHIB) in Tanzania.

Elaborating, he said that the insured diasporan shall contribute USD300 or pounds 175 a year and once in Tanzania would also be provided with health insurance. He said the same service was launched in the US in 2011 and Canada 2012.

Dr Dau said that WESTADI also offers transfer of the deceased body and covers burial expenses. He said since it was launched in the US, the scheme has managed to transfer bodies of three deceased Tanzanians home.

“It is advisable to join the scheme because friends and relatives will have little or no bother when it comes to contributing for the deceased’s burials,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the NSSF Director has called upon Tanzanian diaspora in the UK to prepare for the purchase of houses at the Kigamboni satellite city in Dar es Salaam once they are ready.

Called ‘Dege Eco Village’, the city will be located some 23 kilometers from the Magogoni Ferry market.

Dr Dau said the houses will be sold between USD90,000 and USD200,000 under a mortgage scheme, will be paid in 15 years.

NSSF is constructing the satellite city in partnership with Azimio Housing Estate Limited, a private investor,
He said that NSSF holds 45 percent of the shares and the investor 55 percent.
The project consists of 7160 residential apartments and will also include a trade complex, community centres, retail units and hospitals.

“We named the village ‘Dege Eco Village’ because it is environmentally friendly and 40 percent of its surface will be covered by water (beaches).

President Jakaya Kikwete appealed to Tanzanians to purchase the houses, advising the fund to implement similar projects in Arusha Region.

“I know you can buy the houses …. I believe that with the mortgage scheme you can be able to repay in 15 years,” said President Kikwete. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN