Jonglei State Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok on Wednesday issued a gubernatorial order establishing three new payams in Bor County, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions over governance priorities and strained public services.
The newly created administrative units are Kolmerek, Akuaideng and Mathiang payams. According to the order, Kolmerek and Akuaideng were carved out of Jale Payam, while Mathiang was separated from Baidit Payam.
Governor Riek said the restructuring is intended to strengthen local administration and improve service delivery by bringing government closer to communities.
“This order shall be cited as Gubernatorial Order No. 35/2026 for the establishment of payams in Bor County, Jonglei State, and shall come into force on the date of its signature,” the order said.
It said the decision was issued under powers granted by Article 99(2)(a) of the Transitional Constitution of Jonglei State (2011, as amended), read together with Republican Decree No. RSS/RD/J/92/2025 and the Local Government Act, 2009.
While some officials and residents welcomed the move as a step toward improved administration, critics said it risks stretching already limited resources and may not address existing service delivery gaps.
Bol Deng Bol, chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network, questioned both the process and legal basis for the decision.
“The establishment of new payams should follow clear administrative criteria, public consultation and availability of structures to support their operations,” he said.
He added that several existing payams already face shortages of basic services and infrastructure.
“Our concern is that the government is creating new administrative boundaries without first addressing governance and service delivery challenges already affecting communities across Jonglei State,” he said.
In the newly created Mathiang Payam, some residents welcomed the decision.
“This is a great step of growth from boma to payam,” said resident Bol Gabriel Diing. “We welcome Mathiang Payam and will continue living in harmony with our neighbours in Baidit Payam.”
However, other residents expressed skepticism, saying the creation of new administrative units would only be meaningful if matched by improved public services.
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