Lakes State governor signs 2008 financial bill
By Manyang Mayom
December 21, 2007 (RUMBEK) — The government of Lakes State has celebrated here on Thursday December 20 the signing of financial bill. The bill was officially signed into law by state governor Daniel Awet Akot.
The ceremony was attended by President of the High Court of Bhar-el-Gazal, Lakes state Assembly members, all counties commissioners, counties administrators, traditional dances groups, Students and the various institution holders of Lakes state.
Lakes State Governor, Daniel Awet Akot, said that through the tax bill, Lakes state people would contribute to generate necessary revenue for the development of the state. He also said that this money would serve to provide basic social services. He said that public authorities have the duty to take care of orphans that their fathers scarified their lives during the struggle years.
While the State Minister for Finance, Trade and Industry, Philip Marol Mading, told the rally that the taxations department has managed to generate 1.2 million US Dollars. He also said that 2008 bill has empowered the staffs of taxations department to work toward development with a great expectation of generating 1.5 US Dollars that would serve to finance Lakes state development projects.
The Deputy Governor and state Minister for Local Government, Awan Guol Riak, urged all eight counties commissioners to cooperate with taxes collectors in their respective counties. He added without their close cooperation with the concerned authorities the resources of the state would be very affected.
The chairperson for financial committee, John Marik Makur, stressed that the bill, which needs to be implemented without discrimination, will be helpful for the welfare of the people.
The Lakes state Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Isaac Kon Anok, urged the relevant authorities to fight against the galloping inflation in the state.
Marik Ngang, Acting Speaker of Lakes State Legislative Assembly, reminded that government also should act to create jobs of the people. He also said when they had impeached the minister of finance last August they accomplished their function with regard to the control of government activities.
On August 21, 2007, the Lakes State Legislative Assembly had impeached the state minister of finance following a parliamentary probe on the mismanagement of public funds. However the president of the government of Southern Sudan maintained the minister overlooking the decision of the state parliament.
(ST)