Ngarich primary school in Kimotong payam of Budi County has remained closed for nearly three days now.
The school closed after teachers abandoned teaching because of delayed salaries.
According to the Area Member of Parliament, the teachers are yet to be paid.
Hon. Anjelo Lomoi said the government school remains closed because only 4 teachers taught the learners, and they have all abandoned work.
“I think the…committee of education that goes to all schools avoided to pay the teachers [at] Ngarich primary school, and that’s why the school closed down,” he stated.
“They [teachers] have not been paid for 3 months.”
Hon. Lomoi urged the County Education Department to pay the teachers so that learning can resume.
For his part, the County Education Director, Opika Opoka Joseph said the issue of lack of salaries has not been officially brought to his attention.
“The screening team came and paid everyone; they were paid in Loriyok primary school, and they started in Chukudum. Then they went and paid in Loriyok. When I asked the team leader, he said he has paid those of Loriyok primary school, including those in Kimotong and Napak,” he claimed.
Mr. Opoka promised to find out from the committee why the teachers in Loriyok are still complaining of lack of salaries.
“I didn’t know if Ngarich was not paid. I will find out from the team leader.”
The County Education Director appealed to the teachers to resume teaching while his office follows up the matter.