Assets distribution among three states raises concerns in Western Equatoria

May 31, 2016 (YAMBIO) – A high level government delegation from the newly created state of Amadi [Western Equatoria state], visited Yambio on Monday to claim from another newly created successor Gbudue state, government assets allocated for Amadi state.

Secretary General of Amadi state, Commander Gaius, said the purpose of their coming to Yambio was to claim the remaining assets which were allocated for them by the committee formed to distribute all the government assets which includes vehicles, and office equipment in Western Equatoria.

Gaius stated that there are still a number of vehicles which Gbudue state authorities were supposed to release them but they found it that some government officials are still using them, adding that generators and most of office equipment are yet to be released.

“It is unfortunate that until now Gbudue State continues to keep assets which were supposed to be given to us which includes vehicles, Generators and Office equipment they should release it to us without any problem,” Gaius said.

Meanwhile the acting governor for Gbudue state, Victor Edward Kpiawandu, said he is new in the office and he is not well informed about how the assets were distributed among the three new created states of Western Equatoria.

The acting governor suggested that they should meet with the committee which was formed to assess and distribute the assets equally.

Kpiawandu further asserted that distribution of assets should not create any tension among the people of Western Equatoria but they should peacefully follow the right procedure to claim what belongs to them.

Also speaking to Sudan Tribune on condition of anonymity, one of the government’s officials who was among the committee formed for the assessment of the assets and the distributions mentioned that Gbudue state are left with few vehicles which are on good condition and most of them grounded and therefore needed a lot of money to put on road again.

He claimed that other vehicles which were in good condition were allocated to other states and even staff Van for Yambio FM was also taken which could be left to help the only radio in Western Equatoria.

“I have seen the way the vehicles were distributed is not good because only few cars in good condition were given to Gbudue State and most of [them] are grounded and will need big money to put it again on road,” he said.

Few weeks ago one of the top government officials complained over the Yambio fm radio, accusing the people of Gbudue state of allegedly chasing away indigenous people from other states to go back to their state, which he described as discrimination and tribalism.

(ST)