Unity governor sacks three commissioners

By Bonifacio Taban Kuich

August 19, 2013 (BENTIU) – Unity State caretaker Governor, Joseph Nguen Monytuel, on Monday issued a decree sacking with immediate effect the commissioners of Payinjiar, Rubkotna and Koch counties.

Monytuel did not give reason for the sackings. But recently President Salva Kiir instructed the ten governors to reduce on the sizes of the state governments in line with austerity measures taken to reduce the effect of a threat by Sudan to shut the oil pipelines that South Sudan uses to expert her oil.

In the changes, John Gatluak Doar replaces Simon Chuol Biel in Payinjiar, George Gatloi Koang replaces John Chuol Wang of Koch and Rev.Maluit Hoth replaces William Gatjang Gieng.

The appointed commissioners took their oath on Monday. Governor Monytuel urged them to work towards promoting unity in the state,

Many people in the state are however critical of the large size of the state government which includes 11 ministers, the deputy governor, 8 advisors and 7 more technical advisors which were created recently by caretaker governor. The governor made the appointment in a series of decrees on a near weekly basis on the state run Bentiu FM 99.

Residents say they do not know what roles the advisors and the technical advisors play. Anonymous sources who spoke to Sudan Tribune said the big government is a “waste” of state resources.

The critics further say resources spent on the big government could be used to improve on basic services such as roads and health centres.

(ST)