5 new counties to be created in S. Sudan’s Central Equatoria

August 29, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s upper house of parliament has agreed on the creation of five new counties in Central Equatoria state.

The creation of the new counties is in accordance with president Salva Kiir’s directives.

John Maswa, the chairperson for the council of states committee on decentralisation and members affairs, said the boundaries of the proposed counties had been confirmed and the resolution had been passed to Kiir for approval.

Once Kiir signs off on the document, Central Equatoria state governor Clement Wani Konga, will be able to proceed with the appointment of the new counties’ commissioners.

The creation of five new counties brings the total number of counties in Central Equatoria to 11.

At the opening of parliament in June, president Kiir advised MPs to approve the new counties to fulfil the demands of local people and avoid conflict.

The names of the new counties are yet to be announced.

The existing counties in Central Equatoria include Yei, Morobo, Kajo-keji, Lianya, Teregeke and the nation’s capital, Juba.

(ST)