By Isaac Aloro Lomodi
In the realm of fiscal governance, the Central Equatoria State Government stands at the crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges as it operates without a budget for the Fiscal Year 2023/2024. The absence of a budget and supplementary budget has created an intricate tapestry of financial uncertainty, testing the resilience of the state’s administrative machinery.
As the Chairperson of the Specialized Committee for Peace and Security in the Central Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly (CESTLA), Hon. Isaac Aloro Lomodi, MP, has been at the forefront of navigating these uncharted waters. In this critical role, he has played an instrumental part in addressing the fiscal challenges, ensuring the state’s stability and security remain intact amidst the financial turmoil.
The fiscal year 2023/2024 by tradition kicked off on July 1, 2023, with the Central Equatoria State Government finding itself in the perplexing situation of operating without an approved budget. The absence of a fiscal roadmap raises myriad concerns, from resource allocation to public service delivery, making it imperative for stakeholders to adopt innovative strategies to keep the wheels of governance turning.
One of the immediate consequences of this fiscal vacuum is the strain on essential public services. Without a clear financial plan, departments and agencies are left grappling with the uncertainty of resource availability. Hon. Aloro Lomodi emphasizes the need for a comprehensive budget to facilitate efficient service delivery, stating, “A well-structured budget is the lifeblood of any government, enabling it to address the needs and aspirations of its citizens.”
He further stressed that operating without a budget undermines the principles of fiscal discipline. A budget acts as a blueprint for financial management, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and expenditures are controlled. Without this framework, there is a risk of financial mismanagement, irregularities, and a lack of accountability.
Despite the absence of a traditional budget, the State Government has demonstrated a commitment to fiscal responsibility by adopting a flexible approach. The government has been forced to resort to alternative funding mechanisms and reallocation of existing resources to sustain essential services. However, this ad-hoc financial management poses a risk to the long-term fiscal health of the state.
The absence of a supplementary budget further compounds the challenges faced by the Central Equatoria State Government. Supplementary budgets are crucial tools that allow governments to respond to unforeseen circumstances and emergent needs. In the context of Central Equatoria, where peace and security are paramount, the lack of a supplementary budget can potentially hamper the state’s ability to address evolving security threats and maintain stability.
Hon. Aloro Lomodi, with his wealth of experience in matters of peace and security, underscores the importance of a supplementary budget in the current context. He asserts, “Our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to security challenges relies on having the financial means to mobilize resources promptly. A supplementary budget is indispensable in ensuring that our security apparatus remains vigilant and capable.”
The Central Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly has been actively engaged in deliberations to address the fiscal impasse. Hon. Aloro Lomodi further acknowledges the collaborative efforts within the Assembly, stating, “Our commitment to the well-being of our constituents is unwavering. The Assembly is working diligently to explore viable solutions and advocate for the swift approval of a comprehensive budget that addresses the diverse needs of our people.”
As the government continues to grapple with the absence of a budget, Hon. Aloro Lomodi encourages a proactive approach to fiscal governance. He emphasizes the need for transparent communication between the government and citizens, stating, “In times of financial uncertainty, it is paramount to keep the public informed. Transparency builds trust, and we owe it to our citizens to communicate our challenges and plans for the way forward.”
In conclusion, the Central Equatoria State Government’s operation without a budget for the fiscal year 2023/2024 poses a formidable challenge to governance, particularly in the realms of service delivery, peace, and security. Hon. Aloro Lomodi, as the Chairperson of the Specialized Committee for Peace and Security, remains dedicated to finding innovative solutions and rallying the Assembly towards a resolution. The journey through these uncharted waters demands resilience, creativity, and a commitment to the well-being of the people of Central Equatoria.
The author can be reached at allomodi2020@gmail.com