By ’Dogga Luwo
Chairperson of a Specialized Committee for Peace and Security in Central Equatoria State Assembly has appealed to the state governor to address the medical welfare of constitutional post-holders.
Isaac Aloro Lomodi, the committee chair, urged Governor Augustino Jadalla Wani to take urgent action to ensure adequate healthcare provisions for members of the legislative assembly by paying their medical allowances as per the State Emoluments Act, 2022.
This call comes after the sudden death of Silvano Bata Yokoju, a lawmaker representing Kangapo 2 Payam of Kajo-Keji County in the state parliament.
“In light of this heartbreaking situation, I earnestly appeal to the new state administration under H.E. Gen. Augustino Jadalla Wani Kamilo that, despite the commendable progress made during his three months in office amidst this economic crisis, it is imperative that urgent action be taken to address the medical welfare of our members as prescribed in the State Emoluments Act, 2022,” Aloro said in a statement extended to this outlet.
According to the committee chair, Yokoju’s death resulting from a short illness that went unattended highlights a critical issue within the state’s healthcare system.
Lawmaker Aloro noted that the Central Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly has lost four of its members in just two and a half years, along with one senior staff member, primarily due to poor or unpaid medical allowances and the absence of a comprehensive healthcare policy.
“This loss is primarily due to poor or unpaid medical allowances and the absence of a comprehensive healthcare policy, leaving the health and well-being of our constitutional leaders in jeopardy and hindering their ability to effectively serve the people of Central Equatoria State,” Aloro lamented.
While acknowledging that natural death is unavoidable, the lawmaker emphasized the need to prevent further untimely losses among the state’s leaders due to neglect of healthcare provisions.
By addressing this issue, Aloro believes the performance and institutional growth of the state can be enhanced, ensuring that those dedicated to public service are supported in their health and families’ well-being.
“Let us remember that ‘a healthy state is a wealthy and prosperous state,'” Aloro said.
“In honouring the memory of the late Hon. Silvano Bata Yokoju, may we commit ourselves to advocate for the changes needed to protect our leaders and, by extension, the communities they serve.”
The remains of the late Silvano Bata Yokoju were laid to rest in Kangapo 2 Payam of Kajo-Keji County in Central Equatoria State.
The late was a distinguished and well-respected member who served in various capacities in the State Assembly as Chief Whip before the creation of the 32 states.
He later served as Deputy Speaker in the defunct Yei River State before his untimely demise as an active member of the current Transitional Legislative Assembly.