South Sudan needs better planners to improve services
By Martin Abucha
Jan 31, 2007 — Congratulations on passing the 2007 GOSS budget. This is a great achievement for the people of Southern Sudan to understand how you will spend their money to bring about the much needed services and development in the region. The allocation of 40% of the total budget of Southern Sudan for strengthening and improving security signified how important security is in Southern Sudan and how serious the government is in improving security in the region.
As happy as I can be, I am equally disappointed that some ministries have completely fail to plan as a result, they have under performed. In a report published on Gurtong website (www.gurtong.com) dated 1/30/2007, Barry Wanji, who headed the Development, Economy and Finance Committee that wrote the 2007 budget noted that some ministries did not use their entire allocated budget for 2006. Among the ministries he cited are Ministry of Education, Science and Technical Education (MOEST) only spent a 25% of its 2006 budget, though the Minister Dr. Michael Milly Hussein claimed he spend 36%. Ministry of roads only spent 25%, and the Ministry of Health only spent 45% of its budget. The Demilitarization, Demobilization, and Reintegration commission only spent 11%.
On daily basis, GOSS has asked the donor agencies to give more money to fund projects. This report clearly defeats the logic of asking more money. If a ministry or department can spend less that 50% of its total annual budget, then what is the minister doing. The Ministry of Education and Health have failed to deliver services. Many who understand planning and budget will certainly believe GOSS is failing the people of Southern Sudan. If our hospitals are ill equipped with doctors and necessary tools, it is not a budget issue anymore, but bluntly poor planning, lack of leadership, and a vision for the ministry. Hundred of people are dying in the Southern Sudan simply because our Ministry of Health is not up to speed. This is equally true for the ministry of education. Hundreds of children and adults lack the education they need. What are they doing?
For the minister of Roads, this is just not acceptable. Dr. John Garang made it a priority to link Southern Sudan with other parts of the world. To spend on 25% of the allocated budget makes absolutely no sense. No wonder the South has not moved much since 2005.
I can go on and on and point out hundreds of mistakes in just the areas of planning and budget, but I will not do that, I would like to point out one very important point the government is not seeing.
The ministries and department that have not used their budget are holding up money for other services in the nation. Those funds could have been used or allocated for other tasks. Had they not requested the money, it could have been used for security. This is just an example had they planned their work. We all know security has been a nightmare in Southern Sudan. The Government of Southern Sudan has more than enough money to improve the lives of the people of Southern Sudan in just as little as 24 months. I am in agreement with donor agencies that, the problem of Southern Sudan is not money, but lack of vision, leadership, poor planning, budget, and management.
GOSS should change how it operated in 2006. I failed short of calling upon the president of Southern Sudan General Salva Kirr to fire these ministers; however, I suggest GOSS hire consultants and experts to help deliver the much-needed services. Without consultants, GOSS will not make improvements in 2007. These ministers need consultants and experts to work with them. No minister should fall short of seeking help. Consultants are good resources today than it has ever been. Some advisors just lack the technical know how needed for development. Ministers should also let go those who cannot perform in their respective positions.
Mr. President, it is time to act. Many of the ministries need restructuring. Southern Sudanese are desperate of the services you promised them in your 200-day action plan. Southern Sudan need better roads, improved education, a modern hospital, etc. Please make it happen.
Mr. Speaker, James Wani Igga, we expect you to ask tough questions and hold the executive branch accountable. Your task is not only to approve budget but also to ensure that the government is delivering services. I hope to see a comprehensive report by every ministry submitted to your office for review.
* The author is based in Phoenix, Arizona USA. He can be reached at [email protected]