Dr. Dongrin said the salary disbursement has already commenced with other sectors set to receive their dues by next week.

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater has reaffirmed his commitment to settling the backlog of civil servants’ salaries.

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony of the newly appointed First Under-Secretary for Finance, Arob Nuoi, Dr. Dongrin said the salary disbursement has already commenced with other sectors set to receive their dues by next week.

“We have already started working on salary payments. This week, some institutions are receiving their salaries, and we hope to conclude the process next week for everyone,” Dr. Dongrin said.

He added “Despite the economic difficulties, it is essential to ensure that all civil servants and public sector employees are paid. As a team, we are committed to overcoming these challenges and emerging stronger.”

The announcement comes after years of financial hardship for civil servants, many of whom have gone without salaries for over 12 months. The economic strain has been exacerbated by the disruption of the oil flow due to the conflict in Sudan.

The civil servants are being paid one month’s salary arrears as directed by the president, with the more than one-year arrears still yet to be settled.

For his part, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Bech George Anyak, highlighted the importance of implementing Chapter 4 of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which focuses on economic reforms.

He said addressing financial mismanagement and enhancing fiscal responsibility are critical to stabilizing the economy.

“We must observe the implementation of Chapter 4 as part of the economic reform agenda. It is through this that we can effectively counter the challenges we face,” Anyak stated.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed Under-Secretary for Finance, Arob Nuoi, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the ministry’s role in aligning resources with government priorities.

“The Ministry of Finance is the custodian of resources. Our focus must be on implementing plans that prioritize security, economic stability, and the rule of law, and this position is not just about signing cheques, it is about ensuring the national vision is achieved,” Nuoi said.

Outgoing First Under-Secretary for Finance, Garang Majak Bol, urged ministry employees to cooperate with his successor.

He outlined the importance of timely payments and prudent financial management to support government operations and reach the grassroots.

“My goal was to support President Salva Kiir in delivering financial services to the people of South Sudan. Cooperation and planning are key to improving our economy and supporting government agencies,” Majak noted.

With the high inflation rate and a volatile dollar exchange rate, the value of delayed salaries has eroded significantly, leaving workers unable to cover basic needs.

However, Dr. Dongrin expressed optimism, reassuring the public and the incoming Undersecretary of the ministry’s determination to navigate these challenges.

“Anyone given an opportunity to serve, deserves the support to succeed. Together, we will achieve our mission,” he said.

On Wednesday, President Kiir stressed the urgency of addressing salary arrears, directing the new Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Johnny Ohisa, to prioritize clearing overdue payments.

During the swearing-in ceremony, the President emphasized that civil servants are the backbone of public service delivery and their welfare must not be neglected.

“Clearing salary arrears is not just an economic obligation but a moral one. This government is committed to ensuring that our people, who have endured so much, are supported,” Kiir said.

“Clearing salary arrears is not just an economic obligation but a moral one. This government is committed to ensuring that our people, who have endured so much, are supported,” President Salva Kiir, on his directive for salaries payment to civil servants.