In Western Lakes, some health workers have been arrested for allegedly chasing away patients from the state hospital.

The workers have been on strike since last week, demanding a pay rise in line with the devaluation of the pound.

The State Minister of Local Government, Makuer Mabior, says the workers chased away patients and closed the hospital during the strike.

Efforts by Eye Radio to speak to the striking workers have not been successful.

But Mr Makuer argues that the action of the workers “interfered with the public tranquility”.

The pay strike comes just a few days after the staff of the University of Juba laid off their tools, demanding payment of arrears of about 11 million pounds.

The university management has asked the lecturers to go back to class, but the teaching staffs want the ministry to first respond to their demands before teaching resumes.