By Yiep Joseph
Newly appointed officials in Central Equatoria State (CES) have taken the oath of office, prompting renewed calls for improved service delivery in the state.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the state secretariat on Monday, was attended by numerous residents eager to welcome the new leadership.
CES, like many parts of South Sudan, faces challenges, including inadequate access to clean water, poor road infrastructure, limited healthcare facilities, and under-resourced schools. The issues have long plagued the state, and residents are hopeful that the new administration will address them effectively.
The recent changes in the CES government, including the appointment of new officials in key ministries such as Finance, have generated significant public interest. Residents are eager to see the changes translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives.
State Governor Augustino Jadalla Wani urged the officials to prioritize the needs of the people and focus on delivering essential services.
He added that bringing in a new government is geared toward working together to meet the aspirations of the people of Central Equatoria in particular and South Sudan at large.
“Our people have aspirations that need to be fulfilled,” Jadalla said.
“Set clear goals for you in the institution, define clear, realistic objectives for your tenure, and prioritize impactful initiatives that align with your government manifesto,” he added.
He urged the ministers to take up service delivery roles, adding that it will remain memorable in the state.
“My final advice to you, the newly appointed ministers, is that your role is to serve the public effectively, and you leave a legacy of progress. This is very important. Staying committed and result-oriented will help you succeed,” he said.
He appealed to the officials never to give empty promises but focus on service delivery through practical implementation of the government program.
“Do give empty promises; the state we have priorities we put the issue of cooperative societies, agricultural and business cooperative societies, and this is our vision within the state,” he said.
He called for unity among the citizens as well as economic transformation.
The governor called on the state officials to support the newly appointed members in order for them to achieve their plans for the benefit of the people.
The new officials, recognizing the challenges ahead, have pledged to work collaboratively and with dedication to ensure effective service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed officials, Salah Rajab, CES Minister of Finance, Planning, and Investment, reiterated commitment towards service delivery.
He called for unity among the officials both within the government and outside the government in order to deliver services to the people.
“Our people are waiting for us to deliver services,” he said.
In an inclusive interview during the swearing-in ceremony, Emmanuel Khamis Former Commissioner of Lainya County called on the state officials to support the governor and President in building peace and service delivery.
“I wanted to appeal to all my colleagues who have taken an oath: Let us support our governor; let us support our president,” Khamis said.
“We can be able to work together to support the governor to support the president to restore sustainable security, peace, and development in Central Equatoria state and throughout the Republic of South Sudan,” he added.
Henry Kola Sabuni, the assistant secretary for mobilization in the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) in Central Equatoria state, acknowledges the need for service delivery in the state.
Sabuni acknowledged the recent visit of the state governor to various counties as a positive step that would guide the officials to deliver services to the people.
“We are optimistic that the visit of the governor and the appointment of the new officials will yield fruits in terms of service delivery to the people of Central Equatoria state,” he said.
He appreciated Governor Jadalla for his commitment and urged the state officials as well as the residents to team up for a better Central Equatoria state and South Sudan at large.
On his part, Charles Lado Daniel, Chairman of the Central Youth Union, called on the youth to embrace peace.
“We need our officials to join hands together with the state governor and ensure service delivery; it is what our people are demanding,” he said