Civil Servants to Receive Salary Arrears as Minister Announces Payment Plan
Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has expressed cautious optimism following the announcement by the Honorable Minister of Finance and Planning regarding the payment of 11 months of salary arrears.
During a public statement, Yakani welcomed the minister’s commitment to begin addressing the outstanding salaries, acknowledging that while the current wage levels fall short of market rates, any movement towards payment is better than none. “We appreciate the Honorable Minister’s efforts, especially given the country’s challenging revenue situation,” Yakani remarked.
However, Yakani also raised concerns about what he termed the “Panadol approach” to salary payments, where civil servants receive sporadic monthly payments instead of a consistent and systematic disbursement. “This method is not only unhealthy for the livelihood of civil servants but also contributes to ongoing financial stress as they face rising costs of living,” he emphasized.
He urged the Ministry of Finance to prioritize regular and comprehensive payments, suggesting that at least 60% of the accumulated arrears should be paid at once to alleviate the burden on civil servants. “We hope that future payments will be timelier and more substantial, ensuring that civil servants are not left waiting for their much-needed salaries,” Yakani stated.
The call for reform comes amidst ongoing economic challenges in the country, as civil servants continue to suffer from salary delays, which have compounded their financial difficulties.
Yakani concluded by reiterating his appreciation for the government’s efforts while advocating for a more robust and consistent approach to salary disbursements. “As we move forward, let us work together to ensure that the well-being of our civil servants is prioritized,” he said.
As the Ministry of Finance prepares to roll out the first payments, civil servants are hopeful that this marks the beginning of a more sustainable salary management system.
