Controversy Surrounds Payment of Ex-Workers

Ex-workers of State corporations expecting to be paid severance allowances are still waiting for the unknown. Initially announced to start last Friday September 13, 2013, the thousands of visibly tired workers yesterday September 16 thronged the premises of UBA, ECOBANK, BICEC Centrale and SCB 20th May Boulevard.

According to one of them, Limbe-based Ajeck Ebong Ruben, ex-worker of the defunct National Produce Marketing Board, "sources say money is available to pay us but there is no list from where beneficiaries will be paid." He said since Tuesday last week that he came to Yaounde, he has presented documents with hopes of getting the long-awaited money to no avail. "They are only telling us to wait and we are not seeing any light at the end of the tunnel."

Almost hoping against hope, another expectant ex-worker, Simon Pierre Kameni said he does not know what next to do. "We are totally confused. They will tell you to fill documents and sign agreements but since 6 am (Monday September 16) that we came here nothing has changed. I come from Bafoussam and it's unfortunate that we be treated like this," he decried.

Meanwhile, the beehive-like SCB agency at the 20th May Boulevard, like the other payment points witnessed the same effervescence of the waiting ex-workers.

"The problem here is that we are not told anything. "When the money will be paid, who will receive and how much are questions we cannot answer now," Daman Rigobert said. While officials of the concerned banks opted for tied lips, the National Autonomous Sinking Fund, whose department of internal debts is directly concerned with the payment, was rather evasive.

All attempts to get enlightened on what was happening, the number of people to be paid and the amount the State has disbursed for the exercise hit the rocks. "Your news organ should write an application on what you want and submit it at the secretariat of the DG," was the best we had at the 15th floor of CAA. But reports say some 22, 572 people are expected to benefit from the severance allowances estimated wholly at FCFA 26, 7 billion.

As we went to press, the stalemate still persisted and the situation even degenerated with the disgruntled ex-workers blocking circulation in downtown Yaounde. The Senior Divisional Officer for Mfoundi last evening held a meeting with the embittered workers, promising to bring the situation under control.