Over 30 million USD allocated for South Sudan’s independence celebration
March 27, 2011 (JUBA) – The government of Southern Sudan has announced the approval of 90 million Sudanese Pounds (32 million USD) for the celebration of the region’s independence on July 9.
The figure was announced on Saturday by the South Sudan council of ministers in Juba – the capital of the semi autonomous region.
South Sudan’s minister of information and broadcasting Baranaba Benjamin Marial told journalists that the budget will cover all the necessary requirements for the celebration of the historical day.
The minister who is also the spokesperson of the southern government said that, the top cabinets gave three million Sudanese Pounds (SDG) – over one million US dollars – for the renovation of Juba Basketball Court in order to host a game between Uganda and the new Republic of South Sudan during the independence celebrations.
“We are quite sure to look to it that, the historic celebration is done colourful without any hindrances because that is why the southern Sudanese people are expected to enjoy as it has been already confirmed as a new country”, Marial told the press.
The people of South Sudan voted overwhelmingly to separate from the north in a referendum in January. The plebiscite was a key part of the 2005 peace deal which ended decades of civil war.
The referendum results in February were approved by the Khartoum government and international communities, paving the way for southern secession.
Marial appealed to all citizens of southern Sudan to be peaceful and prepared ahead of the commemoration “because the country will also have many visitors from different countries to come to celebrate with us.”
Earlier, the chairman of the celebration committee, the Vice President of South Sudan Riek Machar Teny had previously proposed that around 400 million SDG (142 USD) be spent on the celebrations.
(ST)