“We want our sweat equity”

not been paid for the past couple of months. They explained that they need to get paid for services rendered in order for their business to stay afloat. The prison food suppliers had given the government one week to pay its bills. If the government fails to pay its bills, they will stop delivering food as of next week. The food suppliers explained that the situation has reached the critical point where they are forced to ask the head of state for help. One of the suppliers pointed out that he has not received payment for the past 8 months. It was said that they had received payment about a month ago but the food supplier made it clear that “that is not true.” “The minister of Finance and Planning previously announced that the money had already been deposited. The payment procedure cannot be completed because the necessary paperwork is still not in order. The food suppliers are puzzled by this because they have rendered their services for several months without receiving any payment. They explained that they had to finance these services from their own money but that their funds are depleted. “We have done our part and we have fulfilled our obligations. All we are asking now is our sweat equity.” The Operational Services director at the Ministry of Justice and Safety, Bieswadath Somai, assured that officials are working towards paying the food suppliers.