K7mil leave fares for teachers delayed until 3rd week of break

By GLORIA BAUAI
A TOTAL of K7 million in leave fares for teachers in Morobe will be paid out to 1,235 teachers, education adviser Keith Tangui says.
Tangui said there had been an administrative delay which would see the teachers receive their entitlements on the third week of their seven-week break.
He blamed the recent hacking of the integrated financial management system which he said had made it difficult for the provincial treasury and finance office to access funds.
Tangui said applications for leave this year had increased but only those eligible were appointed by the leave fare committee comprising district education managers, inspectors and provincial officers.
He said for those going on leave, 174 were from the Southern, 248 from the Highlands, 224 from the New Guinea Islands and 589 from Mamose.
Tangui said total leave fares would be paid to travel agents, PNG Travel and Prime Travel, to make travel arrangements for these teachers.
“I’ve talked with the province’s financial manager and treasurer to speed it up so teachers can get their leave fares as soon as possible and go for their holidays,” he said.
“Provincial administrator, as the chief accountable officer of the province, is committed to complete this.
“But, let’s get the cash fund certificate released.”