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The governor of Eastern Equatoria state has announced that there will be no official commemorations of South Sudan’s Independence Day on July 9 due to a lack of resources.
General Louis Lobon Lojole made the announcement during his Independence Day message on Voice of Eastern Equatoria 97.0 FM radio station on Monday evening.
“This year, we are not celebrating Independence Day in rotation in the counties like in previous years. Last year, we celebrated Independence Day in Kapoeta North County. We asked the county commissioners to celebrate in their places and we should celebrate in a different capacity in Torit town where you and your children can light candles and explain the day to them,” he said. “The year has started well but there have been challenges, one of which is the late rains. We have seen our neighbours the Murle also in Eastern Equatoria attacking and killing our people, kidnapping our children. We have also seen our children joining gangs and killing people in the towns. We have experienced economic hardship, prices are very expensive and our civil servants have been delayed in getting their salaries. The situation is very bad.”
“We have been dependent on oil all these years but now due to the conflict in Sudan we have no oil revenue and that is why we have no salaries so we cannot blame anyone,” Lobon added.
He thanked the people of Eastern Equatoria for heeding the call of President Salva Kiir for citizens to engage in agriculture to alleviate the current economic hardship and ensure food security.
The governor also commended the security forces for maintaining security in the state, especially in Torit State, by arresting gangsters.
“As you can see, this year we are trying to install security lights in Torit and Kapoeta towns to minimize crime rates while creating a good image with our meagre resources. We urge everyone in the town to contribute and install security lights in their places,” he said. “Your government plans to install sustainable electricity and water supply throughout Torit. Assessments have been done and we hope to start work this year.”
General Lobon also urged the private sector to take advantage of the conducive environment to invest in the state.
He called on civil servants to remain patient and assured them that the national government was working hard to clear the salary arrears.
“Dear citizens, I want to greet you and assure you that your government stands with you and is doing its best to do everything that is needed for all of us. This situation we are in will end,” he said. “Civil servants need to endure this situation and I know that a solution is coming and the government will do its best to pay the salaries. Congratulations on your 13th birthday!”day On this Independence Day, let us continue to celebrate the country we acquired by force and let us develop it.”
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