Government employees in Ethiopia’s Maji district, West Omo zone, are grappling with severe economic challenges after going unpaid for three consecutive months. The delay has left many unable to meet basic needs, forcing some to take on menial jobs or abandon their professions altogether.
An agriculture officer in Maji revealed the dire circumstances, stating his family has been struggling without pay since September. “I haven’t been able to afford rent or basic necessities. The local economy is suffering because many depend on government salaries,” he said.
Another employee, speaking under a pseudonym, described how workers are resorting to selling firewood or taking daily labor jobs to survive. He also highlighted the impact of a malaria outbreak and the withdrawal of credit services by private pharmacies due to financial pressures.
Teachers like Ongaye Workineh are also deeply affected, with many unable to pay rent and facing eviction. “The cost of living has driven some professionals to leave their jobs for temporary labor,” Ongaye explained.
Ethiopian Journal Addis Standard previously reported similar salary delays across the South and Central Ethiopia regions, including Gamo, Wolaita, and Konso. These regions have seen widespread hardships among teachers and civil servants, some of whom have not received any payment since August 2023.
Efforts to obtain comments from local government authorities on the situation have been unsuccessful.