Tanzania: Government owes retired teachers Sh43 billion

Dodoma. The government owes some Sh43 billion in various dues to 86,000 retired teachers in both primary and secondary schools

This was said in Parliament by deputy minister of State in the President's Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) Mwita Waitara during a question and answer session.

He was responding to a complementary question by a Special Seats lawmaker Kiza Mayeye (CUF) who sought to know the government's plan to pay teachers who were promoted to new ranks but until their retirement were being paid old salaries.

"I direct all employers in councils to go through case by case and ensure that all teachers get paid their dues," ordered Mr Waitara.

In her primary question Mr Mayeye wanted to know the government's plan in paying teachers their dues immediately after they were promoted.

Mr Waitara said promoted teachers were not  paid their dues, to pave a way for verification of certificates, which was meant to remain with clean employees in 2015/16 and 2016/17 financial years.

To address the challenge, he said in 2017 the government directed all employers, including local government authorities  executive directors to update letters of promotion so that they could get paid their dues.

“Paying dues to promoted teachers remains to be the government's priority.  We will keep on setting aside money for this purpose," said Mr Waitara.