Expect service delivery in 100 days, S. Sudan minister assures

By Julius N. Uma

September 13, 2011 (JUBA) – All efforts and mechanisms are underway to
ensure that South Sudan’s ministers deliver proper services to citizens within 100 days of the 2011/2012 budget being approved, the government’s spokesperson said Tuesday.

Addressing the media in Juba, the South Sudan capital, for the first time since his recent ministerial reappointment, Barnaba Benjamin Marial urged his counterparts to focus on the key priority needs of the southern population when delivering services.

“As a government, we shall work hard to ensure that reflections are seen in terms of improvement in service delivery to the citizens of this new nation. This is in line with the 100 days service delivery drive initiated by our president,” Marial said.

The information and broadcasting minister, however, said the programme, announced by South Sudan president Salva Kiir two weeks ago when his new cabinet was sworn in, will take effect after the country’s 2011/2012 budget has officially been passed. South Sudan’s budget is expected to be tabled in the national assembly later this week for deliberations.

South Sudan, one of the poorest regions of the world with next to no infrastructure, became independent in July as part of a 2005 peace deal.

“Many of you [in the media] started counting the 100 days immediately the new cabinet was formed, not knowing that these ministries operate on given budget allocations. Once the budget is approved, then you can expect the ministers to deliver as required,” Marial said.

The minister also appealed to the media to play a fundamental role in creating awareness and educating the public on issues concerning government programmes, saying national development process is a collective responsibility.

While addressing the first opening of the country’s national assembly last month, President Kiir pledged full commitment towards effective service. He said that his government would deliver services within 100 days from its formation but did not specify if any targets had been set.

Kiir cited education, health, accountability and zero tolerance for corruption, rule of law and security as well as improving physical infrastructure as some of the key sectors to be addressed in the post-independence era.

On the other hand, the southern government has completely distanced
itself from allegations linking it to rebels in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile regions in North Sudan.

According to Marial, these accusations, which mainly came from officials in North Sudan were “simply baseless and lack grounds.” He challenged the northern regime to provided credible evidence that links South Sudan’s ruling SPLM to the violence in the two regions.

Groups that were aligned to South Sudan during the civil war (1983-2005) also fought Khartoum over their own grievances. A combined failure to implement the peace deal, carry out “popular consultations, and the army’s attempt to disarm SPLM-N members has triggered conflict in the two border states.

(ST)