The University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers Union (UNZALARU) has maintained that it will not release examination results for students if they are not paid their outstanding balances by government.
UNZALARU President Euston Chiputa however said the union expects government to mobilise resources and pay them in order for the University of Zambia to open on October 4, 2015 as scheduled.
Dr. Chiputa was speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today following the union’s first meeting with Education Minister Michael Kaingu called to resolve the impasse with academic staff over unpaid gratuity and other unsettled financial obligation owed to UNZA lecturers.
Dr Kaingu pointed out that government wants the institution to open as scheduled and was doing everything possible to address the concerns of the lecturers.
The Minister was accompanied to the meeting by his Permanent Secretary Professor Patrick Nkanza and Ministry Spokesperson Hillary Chipango.
Dr. Chiputa however, said he was happy with the positive deliberations and outcomes of the meeting as UNZALARU officials were assured that government was working towards settling the debt owed to lecturers.
FULL THROTTLE AHEAD. THESE MINISTERS ARE BUSY GETTING PAY RAISES AND MAKING SURE THEY ARE PAID WHY NOT FIND THE MONEY TO PAY LECTURERS WHAT THEY ARE OWED? INFACT NO MEMBER OF CABINET SHOULD BE PAID UNTIL THEY HAVE PAID THE LECTURERS THIER MONEY.
This goes to show serious,the situation is in the country. High commodity prices,poor nutrition levels etc.. But why maintain such a huge cabinet when resources to maintain such are not there?