By Aweye Teddy Onam
Teachers in Jonglei State have locked the gate of the State Ministry of Finance, protesting the blocking of their bank accounts and unpaid salaries.
The teachers have been on strike for several weeks, and their demands have not been met.
They are now calling for immediate payment of their salaries and to reopen their bank accounts because it has been difficult for them to access their salaries.
They said the government’s decision to close the account violates an order by President Kiir in 2021 which provides for a new bank account for the ministry of general education where teachers’ salaries would be kept.
John Deng Ajiith, the chairperson of the Teacher’s State Union told No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper said the strike will continue until the state government addresses their concerns.
“The teachers are very angry about the decision that was made by the state minister of finance,” he said.
“We wrote a petition last week and the petition was given to the acting governor John Samuel Manyuon and he said the allegations were true and called on the general assembly to be patient,” Ajith added.
Deng urged the National Ministry of Finance to transfer their allowances to the usual account which is managed by the Ministry of General Education and Institutions.
“So, what I need to add is Jonglei teacher’s union operates intelligently, fully standing with the teachers and is the voice of the teachers, eyes of the teachers.”
He said the welfare of the teachers means the performance will improve.