A section of former Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) whose appointments were revoked in January 2025 have appealed to the government to expedite the payment of their outstanding salary arrears and End-of-Service Benefits (ESB).

According to information available, all necessary documentation for the release of the payments was completed more than three months ago. However, the delay in disbursement has left many of the affected former appointees struggling to meet their personal and family needs.

Former Appointees Speak Out

Some of the former MMDCEs, who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity, described their situation as “unbearable” and pleaded with the government to intervene urgently.

“We understand that administrative processes take time, but many of us are going through serious challenges. Some cannot afford their medical bills, and others are struggling to take care of their families. We only appeal that the payments are made soon,” one of them said.

They explained that during their tenure, they voluntarily sacrificed 30% of their monthly salaries to support national recovery efforts, and therefore hoped their entitlements would be processed without further delay.

Health Challenges and Losses

Some of the former appointees disclosed that a few of their colleagues have reportedly passed away, while others are critically ill — allegedly due to frustration and financial strain resulting from the prolonged delay in receiving their benefits.

“We have lost some of our colleagues who could not survive the stress and health complications brought on by financial hardship. Several others are bedridden and relying on family and friends for support,” another former MMDCE said with emotion.

They added that some have been compelled to borrow against their unpaid ESB or resort to moneylenders to cater for urgent health and family emergencies.

Background and Government Response

Traditionally, outgoing MMDCEs receive their End-of-Service Benefits within six months of leaving office. The affected individuals say they are hopeful that this precedent will be upheld once the necessary financial clearance and releases are completed.

Sources close to the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development indicate that the issue is receiving attention and that efforts are underway to ensure payment soon.

The Minister, in a recent media interview, reportedly acknowledged the concerns and assured that the Ministry was engaging the relevant agencies to address the matter promptly.

A Humanitarian Appeal

The former MMDCEs emphasised that their plea is not politically motivated but a humanitarian appeal, noting that the situation threatens their wellbeing and that of their families after years of dedicated service.

“We have served diligently in various parts of the country. All we ask is that the government fast-tracks the process to ease the burden on us and our dependents. We know the President is compassionate and will act,” one of them expressed hopefully.

Stakeholders within the local governance structure have also joined calls for a swift resolution, describing the issue as one that affects livelihoods and dignity.

The former MMDCEs remain optimistic that the government will act soon to ensure that their long-awaited entitlements are paid, bringing much-needed relief to those in distress and preserving the welfare of others still struggling.