Kiir directs finance ministry to ensure prudent funds utilization

By Ngor Arol Garang

September 4, 2010 (RENK) — General Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the semi autonomous regional government of southern Sudan, on Friday, instructed the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to ensure that all the funds, allocated for development projects are properly utilized irrespective of their sources.

The presidential administrative directive came as the region approaches upcoming referendum on self determination. But fears about little resources to conduct the already delayed referendum as secretariat charged with administrative activities and coordination plans has not been established.

Speaking shortly after cabinet meeting in Juba on Friday, President Kiir, in what appears to be administrative tone, instructed David Deng Athorbei, minister of finance and economic planning that “there must be clear and proper spending of the funds to accomplish programs.”

“Even funds that will be allocated for the same purpose in next year’s budget should be properly spent for Government to deliver development to the people,” said Kiir. He fruther urged all line ministries to working with finance ministry to successfully implement development programmes.

Many people in the region see the position occupied by minister Athorbei as key to any development taking place in the region. Deng Kuol Miyen, an official from the ruling party and who works in the regional assembly explains that finance ministry is one of the key ministries which control not only money but also economic activities.

“The ministry of finance controls all economic plans and growth related activities of any country. It is the only ministry which has a voice on how a budget allocated for each ministry must be spent,” explained Miyen from Juba.

“We are entering referendum and we don’t have enough time. So, the ministry of finance has to work hard to ensure that it is capable of running its affairs smoothly,” added Miyen.

(ST)