South Sudan cabinet approves reduction of officials’ salary
By Isaac Vuni
December 8, 2008 (JUBA) — As southern Sudanese celebrates Eid al Adha, feast of sacrifices and Catholic diocese of Eastern Equatoria marks silver jubilee of its existence today, the Council of ministers approved for salary reduction of ten per cent on constitutional post holders starting from January 2009, official spokesman Gabriel Changson Chang has said.
Minister Chang said the decision was taken on order to remedy GOSS from Global Economic crisis where oil price felt to $50 per barrel. Adding that those affected ranges from South Sudan, states, independent commissions, commissioners, speakers, deputy speakers, chairpersons and deputy chairpersons respectively.
Addressing journalists, Minister Gabriel Changson says the precautionary measures are taken in order to avoid the current short fall in oil prices likely to affect coming South Sudan government budget of 2009.
The cabinet also directed minister of finance and Economic planning to prepare 2009 budget based on current oil price so that it does not affect socio-economic development and to compelled ministries, governors and commissioners accountable during implementation faces.
The meeting also resolved to reduce traveling for short courses abroad and directed that government officials living in hotels at expenses of government must stop immediately.
The council further directed ministries of Agriculture and Animal resources to give priority to food security by introducing large scale mechanization faming to boost agricultural production and reduce market prices.
The council also resolved that ministries and commissions are to merging or amalgamated to pave way for a lean size cabinet. While state governors are required to render full report on their developmental activities to council of minister and the extraordinary eight hours meeting was chaired by Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit who also wish every Sudanese a happy Eid al Adha.
(ST)