The governor of Lakes State has appointed a new mayor for the town of Rumbek, with civil society groups immediately outlining a series of pressing challenges for the incoming administration.
Governor Rin Tuney Mabor named Kuol Mathubier as the new mayor on Tuesday, replacing Akol Paul Manyang. Yol Akol was also appointed as deputy mayor for administration and finance.
The appointment has been met with a list of expectations from community advocates in the state.
Daniel Laat Kon, coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) in Lakes State, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that the new leadership must urgently address the poor condition of Rumbek’s main market, which he described as unclean and prone to flooding.
Tax Reforms Urged
A major focus, he said, should be on supporting local traders, particularly women who are widows and rely on their market stalls to support their families.
“The prices are abnormal and life is not very easy in Rumbek town for the residents,” Mr Kon added.
He linked the high cost of living to what traders have called “abnormal taxes,” suggesting that a review of the tax system could lower levies and reduce prices for essential goods.
Infrastructure Challenges
Beyond the market, the new mayor is being urged to tackle the town’s dilapidated internal road network.
“In Rumbek town, it is only one main road that’s good. But other parts of Rumbek, it is a mess,” Mr Kon stated.
Security was highlighted as another critical issue, with civil society pointing to the threat of gang violence in residential areas such as Akuac and Malakia, and near Rumbek Secondary School.
Kon cited a recent incident where a journalist was attacked and robbed as an example of the rising criminal cases. He also said drug abuse is common in the town and should be addressed by the new administration’s policies.
Female Representation
Furthermore, civil society has called on the state governor to appoint a second deputy mayor who is a woman.
“The mayor and his deputy are males, but for the second deputy, we are calling the governor to appoint a competent female,” Kon said, arguing that a woman in leadership would be better positioned to address the specific issues facing women in the market.
Kon concluded that improving the town’s economy and living conditions was key to tackling the root causes of crime.
“When you look at the crimes being perpetrated by criminals, it is because life is hard,” he said. “That’s why we want to see the government improve the living conditions within the town.”