CLOSE to a hundred government funded students studying at the University of the South Pacific (USP), Solomon Islands campus in Honiara are yet to receive their allowances.
They are already three months into their semester one studies.
Reports reaching the paper said, the delay in releasing their allowances had put them in an awkward situation and frustration.
A number of students said, the delay is affecting their studies as they are experiencing financial difficulties to print their assignments, notes and to concentrate on their studies.
“We are currently having financial difficulties in terms of daily bus fares, food and other necessities.
“We are now becoming burden to our families because we have to ask for bus fares daily and also for money to meet other necessities.
“Authorities should understand that some of us come from the provinces and live with relatives in town and at times they would get mad at us for not giving a hand to support them one way or another.”
The students claimed they have been promised by the National training Unit (NTU) that their allowances would be paid last Month.
“But sadly this did not happen at all,” the frustrated students said.
The students also questioned why the government was quick to pay the allowances of overseas students while nothing was done to settle the country’s based funded students.
“All of us USP students are doing the same courses and as such the Government should be fair to us and pay us our allowances.”
When contacted a spokesperson from the NTU said, that they are currently dealing with the issue of payment and thus the students should not worry too much.
“While we sympathise with the studentss concern, the students should know that we are doing all our best to finalize their allowances,” he said.
However the students saids that they are tired of all the assurances.
“We have been given assurances since last month till now, but nothing has been forthcoming.
“We want to hear the exact date and when should our allowances be ready.”
The students have commenced their mid semester test (MST) commencing last week and will continue next week for some students.
“But the problem is we have no money to print our notes to study and food to sustain us,” the students said.
The NTU spokesperson said that he would not promise anything as they are also still not sure about the exact date students will be able to receive their allowances.
USP is currently having its one week break.
