Abyei pays health workers two months’ salary

November 28, 2009 (ABYEI) — The administration of the oil rich area of Abyei has on Saturday 28 November 2009, confirmed resumption of provision of basic health services to communities in and round town the capital of the region two days after health workers went on strike demanding payment for seven months.

Ayom Matet Ayom, head of health, education and service department, said it has been resolved to pay health workers two months salaries so that they are able to settle some of their debts.

“Paying two months salaries does not stop payment of the other five remaining months, they will be paid no later than when finance department gets money transferred to administration account later this or early next month,” he said..

The official further stated that he as head of the department is very much concerned and therefore wants solution to regular strike in the region.

Strikes in Abyei are constantly connected to delay in payment of the staff from various departments; he said adding administration seeks alternatives to addressing this phenomenon.

Similarly, Monyluak Hol, Director General in the department of finance, said health workers had been paid two months from the operational budget as discussed at the local executive council.

“Our problem is not that the administration does not want to pay workers but where is money, he posed. Issues related to money have crippled most of the activities and plans of the administration,” he adds.

“Our health workers and workers from other departments should understand money comes from Khartoum only when budget is approved by president of the republic,” he stressed.

The official went further to say that the administration has thrice prepared budget and presented to the Sudanese presidency for approval. He pointed out that the delay is this time also caused by Khartoum pending approval.

Reacting to the officials, Mayen Kuol, head nurse at Abyei civil hospital, admitted having received two months salaries but asked why paid only after strike.

“Where did the administration get other month to pay us after having vowed not add even single day let month,” he said.

He warned they will resume strike if this (striking) has become an alternative for payment. We will soon go on another strike for other remaining five months, he said.

(ST)