THE Government has released more than K20 billion to pay outstanding teachers' housing allowances throughout the country.

Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Lillian Kapulu said the money had since been disbursed to all provinces and called on teachers with queries to seek clarifications from the Provincial Education Officers (PEOs).

In an interview in Lusaka yesterday, Mrs Kapulu said she was happy that the Ministry of Finance and National Planning had released the K21.5 billion for payment to teachers.

" I can confirm that the Ministry of Finance and National Panning has released K21.5 billion to pay teachers housing allowances and those with queries should seek audience with the PEO," she said.

Mrs Kapulu said her ministry had since engaged the Ministry of Finance with a view of releasing the balance of K20 billion for the teachers.

The Government was committed to seeing that the debt was cleared and that the recent release of funds was a sign of commitment to the welfare of teachers.

Mrs Kapulu said the ministry would continue to monitor the disbursement of funds to ensure that it benefited the teachers and that the release of funds should not be politicised by any person.