By William Madouk
The newly appointed Minister of Finance, Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater, admitted that he has been appointed at a time when the government is grappling with competing financial obligations.
However, Dongrin promised a new-look finance department as he outlined his key priorities to meet President Salva Kiir’s directives during the swearing-in ceremony to salvage the ailing economy.
“MoFP will revise upward and issue, by the end of this week, a new revenue target for the fiscal year 2024/2025,” he said.
He hinted that the board and the management of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) instantly formulate and execute strategies to achieve the new target that will soon be communicated.
“In order to achieve the new revenue target, the SSRA will provide daily revenue collection reports in order to track progress and address any impediment in a timely manner,” Dongrin added.
To him, the finance docket would provide needed support to ensure strict execution of orders suspending all non-statutory exemptions.
Besides, he requested the Bank of South Sudan to provide him with a list of all government accounts with central and commercial banks and their corresponding signatories.
“This information, once provided, shall form a basis for implementing the president’s directive on consolidation of government bank accounts,” he continued.
Mr. Dongrin disclosed that the draft budget for FY 2024/25 focus on agricultural sector development and investment in key infrastructure, adding that he would prioritize important sectors which in medium term – will stimulate domestic productivity, self-sufficiency and economic growth.
“We must come to terms with the reality that prevailing challenges require us to live within our means and judiciously manage our limited resources,” he emphasized.
“Like in every ordinary household, LEAN TIMES forces people to ration what they have, while looking for ways to bring in more. We are in a similar place today, and this compels us to pursue a focused austerity approach.”
Moreover, the minister vowed to work in good faith as a team leader with all staff on the finance docket.
“Over the next few days and months, we will listen to each other’s ideas and perspectives which will be instrumental in formulating a realistic and viable path toward economic recovery.”
President Salva Kiir tied the recurrent challenge of salary delays to the meager revenue collection and poor management of funds, stressing that the country has enough resources to cater for her needs.
During the swearing-in ceremony of the new finance minister, President Kiir admitted that there are several accounts where government money flows.
He lamented that some individuals continue to misuse government resources for their own benefit and interests.
“What is happening now is that people have multiple bank accounts, and the money being collected does not come to the government’s coffers,” Kiir said.
“We actually have money. The money from non-oil revenues is enough to pay people and to do everything. So let us believe that you will deliver. I understand that you have been in the National Revenue Authority, and you know how money is being collected from the people,” Kiir said.
The president, however, failed to disclose the challenges facing the government and that it can’t hold such people accountable for their actions.