By Khamis James Kwaje Lubang,
Indeed, the situation of government workers in South Sudan going for extended periods of one year without pay is a very unique experience that has not happened anywhere in the world.
Such a rear occurrence has proved beyond doubt the faith, love, trust, and value the citizens have for the country and her leadership. In fact, the government of South Sudan should glorify God, who gifted them with such faithful citizens who are filled with love, patience, and belief by dedicating themselves to the service of the nation even after 12 months without compensation for the services they rendered. Moving to their respective institutions, with much pain, grieve, hunger, disappointment inside them, but still having hopes of one day receiving their forgotten salaries.
However, I now see the patience of the faithful servants falling off the chain and several dangers looming at the doorpost, and such dangers could affect not only the workers themselves but also the broader socio-economic landscape of the country. Such potential dangers include the following:
Increase Unrest and Insecurity: Due to economic hardships, chances of social unrest, strikes, or protests are on high alert, as this will destabilize the government, creating an environment of insecurity. For instance, like the case of unknown gunmen, Toronto’s broad daylight robbery, and many others.
Economic Decline: The lack of government salaries has already led to a decrease in spending power among workers and has negatively impacted local businesses and the overall economy in the country.
Decreased morale and productivity: The morale of the government employees has greatly gone low due to a lack of compensation, leading to decreased productivity and effectiveness in their roles within the state.
Public service Disruption: indeed, essential services such as healthcare, education, and public safety are likely to deteriorate further than the current stage as workers disengage or opt to leave their positions to seek alternative income elsewhere.
Corruption and Mismanagement: On many occasions, government workers resort to corrupt practices to supplement their income. Unfortunately, I see a culture of impunity and further mismanagement of already scarce public resources for the survival of the fetus (value and integrity compromised for personal gain).
Deterioration of Civil Infrastructure: The on-going neglect in public service roles is a continued threat that deteriorates critical infrastructure, impeding development in the country.
Therefore, the top leadership of the country should ensure the following are adhered to in order to address the dangers associated with delay in salaries: (Possible Remedies).
Timely Payment: The government should prioritize the establishment of reliable and timely payment systems for salaries by ensuring that workers receive their compensation on time.
Transparent Budget Management: Our current government needs to improve transparency in budget allocations and financial management to ensure that funds are available and appropriately directed towards paying salaries.
Alternative Compensation Models: The government under the stewardship of our president should explore alternatives such as partial payments, temporary allowances, or food assistance to support government employees until regular salaries can be reinstated. This provision acts as a big motivation to the employees and makes them trust the system more.
Promote Public Sector Reforms: The government needs to implement reforms to enhance efficiency within the government, ensuring that resources are used effectively and that salaries are prioritized in order to avoid twists and turns.
Establish Grievance Mechanisms: The government should create systems for workers to voice their concerns and grievances regarding salary issues, fostering open communication and resolution processes.
Engage International Partners: In the worst-case scenario, the government should seek assistance from international organizations and NGOs to provide temporary financial support or capacity building to help stabilize the public service sector.
Community Engagement Programs: The government needs to swiftly involve local communities in discussions about government services to build trust and ensure that public servants feel supported and valued.
Skill Development Initiatives: The government should invest in training and development programs to retain talent and enhance the skills of government workers, providing them with better opportunities that may reduce the temptation of looting public funds.
Strengthening Civil Society: The South Sudan government should encourage the role of civil society organizations in advocating for government accountability and the timely payment of salaries, creating pressure for change.
Ensure Political Stability: Above all, the government should work towards improving the overall political and social stability in the region, as a stable environment is crucial for the retention of skilled workers with principles and the proper functioning of government services.
Finally, in order to curve the dangers relating to government workers in South Sudan not receiving their salaries for twelve (12) months necessitates a dynamic approach that involves collaboration between the government, international partners, civil society, and the community. Therefore, prioritizing the well-being of public servants will ultimately contribute to the stability and development of the nation. South Sudan calls for financial discipline from the leaders.
The writer is a Member of Parliament, Central Equatoria State.