Officials in Western Equatoria State are calling for the regular and timely payment of civil servants’ salaries, warning that prolonged delays are deepening hardship for families and disrupting public services.
The appeal follows the release of just one month’s salary on Monday, with many civil servants reporting difficulties accessing their pay at banks.
The chairperson of the Peace and Security Committee in the Western Equatoria State Assembly told Radio Tamazuj that lawmakers plan to raise the issue in the assembly, citing poor handling of salary payments.
“The bank arrangement is not treating civil servants well,” he said. “The amounts are small, and people have waited for several months. Some are standing in long lines to claim what is rightfully theirs.”
He said ministries should receive funds directly to allow workers easier access to their salaries.
A female civil servant, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of losing her job, said workers have endured delays for too long.
“We have waited since 2023,” she said. “We celebrated Christmas without Christmas because we have no salary. We are only asking for our rights and equal treatment.”
Speaking during a Christmas reflection meeting at the state secretariat, Minister of Cabinet Affairs John Bariyona said timely salary payments are critical for stability.
“To avoid insecurity and reduce stress, salaries must be a priority,” he said. “Even a small salary, if paid on time, helps prevent hunger, supports families and maintains public order.”
Women’s representative Flora Gume called for stronger protection of women, girls and children, citing the shooting of a young woman in Masia in November. She urged authorities to ensure accountability and adopt preventive measures to protect vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, Human Rights Commission Chairperson Margret Fozia Emmanuel said the government has a duty to uphold dignity, fairness and equal rights.
She welcomed the governor’s presentation of a state budget to the assembly but urged transparency, particularly for employees facing illness or hardship.
Civil society activist Wanga Emmanuel called on state leaders to set aside political differences and work together to promote peace, development and security.
Deputy Governor Justin Joseph Marona said the government is working to rebuild public trust through transparent budget management.
“For the first time in 20 years, a detailed state budget has been presented,” he said. “This is an important step toward accountability.”
Governor James Al-Taib Berapai said state leaders must work as a united team to stabilize peace, security and social welfare.
Salary delays continue to affect teachers, health workers and administrative staff across Western Equatoria State, placing increasing pressure on households and weakening public service delivery.