Situation has pushed Assembly Speaker to reach out to the Governor to urgently intervene and facilitate the release of the pending payments.

By Emmanuel Mandella

A section of lawmakers in the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly are a concerned lot. Worryingly, some have struggled with health complications in recent months, and faced the immense drawbacks of the economy. Yet, their salaries are yet to be paid, pushing them to more agony.

This unfortunate situation was laid bare by the Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ann Tuna Richard, who warned that the delay in paying the legislatures including their medical allowances has pushed them to the brink, affecting the health of the lawmakers and threatening the smooth functioning of the state’s legislative body.

Speaking during an engagement with state leadership in Yambio, the Speaker appealed to the Governor of Western Equatoria State, Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, to urgently intervene and facilitate the release of the pending payments.

According to the Speaker, several MPs are currently facing serious financial and medical difficulties, with some requiring urgent treatment that has been delayed due to lack of funds.

“Our colleague Honorable Monoko is currently in critical condition, and several other MPs are sick. The payment of outfit and medical allowances will help support and motivate them to continue serving the people,” Rt. Hon. Richard said.

She explained that many lawmakers depend on these allowances to cover essential needs, including medical treatment and professional requirements tied to their parliamentary responsibilities.

The Speaker noted that the continued delay has created significant strain on the Assembly, making it difficult for some legislators to effectively carry out their duties of representing citizens, debating policies, and passing laws.

Political observers say the situation highlights broader challenges facing governance institutions in Western Equatoria State, where financial constraints and administrative delays have often affected the operations of public institutions.

Medical refferals on hold

In addition to the health concerns, the Speaker revealed that several medical referrals for MPs remain pending in key national government institutions. These include the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the South Sudan Revenue Authority, and the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs.

“The delays in processing these allowances and referrals are affecting the lives of our colleagues. We need urgent intervention so that those who are sick can receive proper medical care,” the Speaker said.

Local observers warn that the situation could also impact the effectiveness of the legislature if lawmakers remain unable to perform their duties due to illness or financial hardship.

The Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly plays a crucial role in overseeing government activities, representing citizens’ interests, and ensuring that laws and policies are enacted to support development and stability in the region.

And, when lawmakers face health and financial challenges, the institution’s capacity to carry out these responsibilities may be weakened.

Responding to the concerns, Governor Rimbasa acknowledged the importance of the State Legislative Assembly in strengthening governance and accountability in the state.

He emphasized that the government cannot operate effectively without the legislature, noting that the Assembly serves as a vital pillar in the system of checks and balances.

“The government cannot function effectively without the Assembly,” Governor Rimbasa said. “The legislature plays a key role in ensuring accountability and passing laws that guide the development of our state.”

The governor also called for continued cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government to promote stability and good governance in Western Equatoria.

Observers say the appeal by the Speaker reflects growing pressure on the state government to address financial obligations to public officials and ensure that institutions function effectively.

For many lawmakers, the delayed allowances represent more than a financial issue—they directly affect their ability to access healthcare and continue serving their constituents.

The Speaker concluded by urging the state government to treat the matter with urgency, stressing that the wellbeing of legislators is closely linked to the effectiveness of governance in the state.

The call for immediate action has sparked discussion among political observers and citizens in Yambio, many of whom say that strengthening institutions and supporting public servants is essential for improving governance and service delivery in Western Equatoria State.