Melut County teachers take grievances to the streets
Teachers in oil-rich Melut County have staged protests over salaries they say have gone unpaid for two years. The educators accuse county authorities of diverting funds that were intended to cover their wages.
Claims focus on county commissioner and unpaid arrears
The teachers allege the county commissioner has withheld salary payments, linking the delay to concerns about being removed from office. One teacher said the commissioner pledged to clear arrears on Monday, Jan. 19, but did not, citing the risk of dismissal.
Local taxes and 3% oil share cited in funding questions
Protesters argue that local tax revenue and the county’s 3% share of oil proceeds are not being used for their stated purposes. They say the gap between expected income and salary payments has persisted despite repeated requests for action.
Unpaid salaries strain health and family welfare
Teachers say the prolonged delays have pushed many households into hardship. Some report struggling to afford healthcare and basic food for their children, framing the salary dispute as both a labour issue and a broader social concern.
Calls for state and national government intervention
“We need urgent intervention from the state and national government,” one teacher said. The teacher added that appeals to the community over the past two years have not delivered relief, and that formal attention is now being sought beyond the county level.