W. Equatoria celebrates success of local government project
April 28, 2015 (JUBA) – The government of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria has commemorated the success of a pilot project, known as Local Government and Service Delivery program (LOGOSEED).
The country’s finance ministry and the ministries of local government and law enforcement at state levels are implementing the project.
Western Equatoria’s minister of local government and law enforcement, Daniel Ezbon said the project was initiated to improve governance and provision of service at local levels of the country.
“We are celebrating the partnership between governments, organisations and the community. It is an achievement from South Sudan’s dream of taking towns to the people”, said Ezbon.
A number of schools and health facilities has been built in Ezo county and road from Ibba town have been opened to Maruka payam and five boreholes have been repaired, further added the minister.
This project reportedly boasts of building the capacity of the counties by involving the local community to participate and own the project. Technical staff have benefited from hands-on training in planning and budgeting, financial management, procurement, contract management, engineering, monitoring and evaluation, environmental and social safeguards.
South Sudan is a nation with developmental challenges and inadequate coverage of basic infrastructure. The economy is highly dependent on oil revenues, despite the fact that majority of the country’s rural households depends on agriculture for livelihoods.
“This project is an important step towards improving local services that meet community needs, developing effective institutions and most importantly linking Government with its citizens,” said Ezbon.
Sapana Abui, the acting governor of Western Equatoria, cautioned authorities in counties yet to benefit from the project to ensure that funds intended for its implementation are properly utilised and accounted for in transparent way to communities and government.
“There will be no mercy to anyone who will misuse the money. Western Equatoria should be an example to other states to make sure the project succeeds in all the 10 counties of the state,” he said.
Representatives from the World Bank, officials from the national finance ministry and county commissioner attended the ceremony.
(ST)