As The Academic New Year Begins, Lessors Association Of Liberia Demand Gov’t Pays Outstanding US$843,000 Bills
PHOTO: Two officials of the Lessors Association, Jonah Nagbe Neaweah and Nimely T. Meah
By Alfred Kolliealfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia–The Lessors Association of Liberia has threatened the government that it will close all public schools operating in private buildings if the Ministry of Education fails to settle outstanding debts amounting to over $843,000 United States dollars.
The association, which consists of individuals leasing their properties to the government through the Ministry of Education for public education, claims that the Ministry has not made payments on lease agreements for more than four years.
These agreements are crucial for the operation of schools across the nation.
In an interview with www.newspublictrust.com, the Association spokesperson Jonah Nagbe Neaweah stated that members have been waiting for payment ranging from one to four years, and frustration has reached a boiling point.
“We have resolved to shut down the schools if the government does not address this issue by the end of September,” Neaweah declared.
Mr. Neaweah, who owns a building in Picnicess, Grand Kru, currently housing Bridge School, expressed disappointment over the government’s neglect.
He recounted their attempts to negotiate with Education Minister Dr. Jarso Jallah but said that the government has continuously ignored their concerns.
“We urge international partners and education stakeholders to intervene swiftly, as this is our primary livelihood,” Neaweah added, voicing deep concern about the impact on families’ dependent on these leases.
Mr. Neaweah stated that despite numerous negotiations with Education Minister Dr. Jarso M. Jallah, concerns have been repeatedly ignored.
In remarks, Nimely T. Meah said the repeated failure of the government to fulfill its financial commitments has shown disrespect to individual members and the agreement.
He said the annual payment by the government through the Ministry of Education has not been fulfilled.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has not publicly responded to the claims made by the Lessors Association, raising further anxiety among the affected property owners and educators about the future of Liberia’s public schooling system.
Several efforts, including Communication, text messages sent, and visitations at the Ministry failed.
The Ministry’s Communication Officer has yet to respond to the group’s claim.