THE Workers' Compensation Fund (WCF) management needs to intensify efforts in employer registration and ensure timely remittance of workers' contributions, the responsible minister has instructed.

Ridhiwani Kikwete, the Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities state minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) issued this directive in Dar es Salaam yesterday at a working session with WCF staff to find ways to enhance operational efficiency.

This will enable employees to receive their rightful compensation in case of workplace injuries, illnesses or fatalities, he said, acknowledging that WCF has so far registered 93.7 percent of eligible employers countrywide by recent statistics.

“But this is not enough,” he stated, directing the management to ensure full employer registration and timely contribution of remittances. All employees have to take responsibility for this matter as it is the foundation for compensating workers affected by workplace hazards, he stated.

Similarly, the WCF management needs to invest the funds it manages in viable and secure areas, particularly in treasury bonds, to strengthen the fund’s ability to meet compensation obligations, he stated.

“Investment is a critical responsibility of WCF. To ensure it is beneficial, you must focus on secure investment options that will sustain the fund’s primary mandate—compensating workers for occupational injuries and risks,” he emphasized.

Dr John Mduma, the WCF director general, explained the management’s disposition to work on the minister’s instructions, expressing commitment to enhancing staff accountability to meet these objectives.

“We have taken note of the minister’s instructions to accelerate employer registration and contribution collection, and we will implement them accordingly,” he specified.

Musa Mwambujule, presenting views of WCF employees, hailed the minister for the visit and audience with the staff, as demonstrating the government’s commitment to valuing and supporting public sector employees.