By: Emmanuel Mandela

After nearly two years of inactivity, the Transitional Legislative Assembly of Western Equatoria State is set to reopen on Tuesday, July 1, reigniting both hope and frustration. Some residents are calling on lawmakers to prioritize stalled legislation.

Since the formation of the state’s transitional government in 2021, the legislative assembly has remained largely dormant, a situation that many citizens say has contributed to rampant insecurity, economic instability, and the deterioration of essential services.

As the Assembly prepares to resume, citizens across the state are urging lawmakers to act swiftly.

“We are suffering. Our children have been chased out of school because we can’t pay fees, and there’s no cash in the banks. The State Parliament must investigate why this is happening,” said Muperengo Moses, a concerned father in Yambio.

Residents say insecurity remains the biggest threat to their livelihoods, especially in areas like Tombura County, which has experienced continuous violence and displacement since 2021.

“We in Tombura have been living like refugees in our own homes. Armed groups still roam freely. We need Parliament to push for peace and real accountability,” said Agnes Zanunga, a women’s leader from Tombura.

In Yambio, the state capital, dusk movements have become dangerous due to the rise in criminal activity.

“We cannot move safely anymore. Parliament should prioritize peace and security so that people can move freely, even at night,” said Bazigbi, a resident of Gangara Emilia.

On the economic challenges, skyrocketing price of basic commodities have pushed families to the edge, with many traders complaining of lack of regulation.

“Prices keep going up. There should be a law to regulate the market,” said Wilson Wandu, a local trader at Yambio Main Market.

Others, like James Bondo, a local school teacher, have called for investigations into the State Ministry of Finance over continued cash shortages in commercial banks.

“We want the Parliament to summon officials from the Ministry of Finance. People are queuing endlessly at banks with nothing to withdraw.”

Meanwhile, the state’s deteriorating road network is crippling trade and agriculture, with farmers struggling to move produce to market from remote areas around the state.

“Our roads are broken. If farmers can’t transport goods, the economy won’t grow,” said James William, a farmer from Sug-Siro.

Access to basic services like education, electricity, and clean water is another concern.

“We want services to reach everyone, not just those in the town,” said Rose Taban, a youth leader from Gangura.

Speaking to The City Review, from Nzara County, John Sangbako echoed same sentiments.

“We need the Parliament to reduce unnecessary checkpoints and revive public schools so that the poor can access education.”

Earlier this week, Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu revealed that the state parliament would officially reopen on July 1. Speaking to reporters, Badagbu emphasized on the importance of the legislature in addressing citizens’ concerns.

“This Parliament is not being reopened just as a formality. It is being reopened to serve the people and ensure that their voices are heard,” he said. “Let this be a new chapter for Western Equatoria.”

According to a letter obtained by The City Review, signed by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, it confirmed the reopening as stated, marking a major step in the state’s transition toward fully functioning governance.

With bulging anticipation, many residents remain cautiously hopeful and watch closely to see if lawmakers will fulfill their long-awaited responsibilities.

“We have waited too long,” said Mary Asuma, a woman leader in Hai Baiporu. “This Assembly must work for the people now not tomorrow.”