The security sector in South Sudan continues to lead in the annual budget allocation, despite statements by government to prioritize peace and basic services.

This year’s budget presented to the national legislative assembly by finance minister Salvatore Garang showed the largest budget allocation goes to the security sector.

The fiscal year 2018/2019 draft budget seen by Radio Tamazuj shows an estimated 81.6 billion South Sudanese pounds (SSP) from which 15,926 billion will go for the security sector. The money allocated to the security sector accounts for 19.5% of the entire budget.

Speaking on Monday to members of parliament during the presentation of the draft budget, finance minister, Salvatore Garang, said much of the security budget will be used for salaries and veterans; 1,500 billion goes to operation costs and 1 billion for new capital expenditures.

The minister said 3 billion South Sudanese pounds has been allocated for peace expenditure.

The finance minister said the health sector will receive 1,616 billion South Sudan pounds this year, while the accountability sector will receive 7 billion pounds.

Minister Salvatore asked lawmakers to endorse the removal of the fuel subsidy.