South Sudan President Salva Kiir has directed that all civil servants in the country be paid to enable them continue providing the needed services.
President Kiir’s directives came during a meeting with Finance Minister, David Deng Athorbei and Central Bank Governor Kornelio Koryom Mayiik after they briefed him on the current fiscal and monetary situation in the country and how they intend to resolve some pending issues such as payment of civil servants.
“Finally the civil servants are going to be paid fully,” presidential spokesman, Ateny Wek Ateny said in a statement.
The meeting, Ateny explained, also resolved that salaries for all the organised forces be paid for the months of April and May with immediate effect, while preparations for payment of their June salaries be done before the end of the 2015-2016 financial year.
“This is a very significant step taken by the President in an attempt to alleviate the suffering of civil servants. More shall follow in the resolve to improve our economy,” he added.
The president’s directives come amidst reports that government received about US$300 million from oil and loans it obtained from undisclosed sources. Some finance ministry officials claimed China provided financial assistance to be paid with crude oil.
The reports could, however, not be independently verified.
Recently, several civil servants in the country laid down their tools, demanding the issue of their outstanding salary arrears be sorted out.
