The Western Regional President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Justin Nelson has stated that the Association would resist the payment of their basic salary as rent in fulfilment of a directive issued by the Western Region Director of Education.
The directive on Friday, March 11 was in furtherance to a Ministry of Finance circular in 2006, requiring all occupants of government bungalows to pay 10 per cent of their basic salaries as rent.
“I, therefore, write to inform you that with effect from 1st March 2022, all teachers/staff occupying School/Government bungalow are to pay 10% of their basic salary as rent,” the directive by the regional director of education stated.
“You are also to ensure all arrears owed are collected to avoid audit issues,” it concluded.
But in an interview with Spice 91.9FM, Justin Nelson according to the collective agreement section 19 states that Head of Schools, Assistant Heads, Chapelins and House staff are entitled to free accommodation on campus to ensure the safety and welfare of students.
He emphasized that schools with accommodation occupied by teachers have them pay rent on government bungalows as a way of maintaining the buildings as the government no longer pay for maintenance of bungalows.
“Teachers who occupy government’s bungalows in Senior High Schools are already paying rents for the maintenance of the residence because there are no monies from government to keep the buildings in good shape, he said.
He also described the 10 per cent as absurd on the part of the Service adding that given the economic constraint in the country, it is unreasonable to implement such a policy and that they would resist it.
“We agree, we have to pay rent but looking at the economic circumstances in the country it is impossible, and that we’ll resist it, “Nelson mentioned.
Speaking on the sidelines of the issue, the Western Regional Education Director, Madam Felicia Agyeibea Okai observed that the during the Public Account Committee last year, Auditors noted that teachers were paying unrealistic rent and ordered the Service to ensure tutors compel to pay their rents.
According to Madam Okai, the purpose of the rent is to widen funds in maintaining bungalows occupied by teachers. She mentioned that some bungalows are in a sorry state, as occupants do not maintain the buildings.
