Some local chiefs in Lakes State have rejected a proposal made by a senior member of the ruling SPLM party to contribute cattle to fund the party’s development programs in the area.
Last week, a leading member of the SPLM called on supporters of the party in the state to contribute 20,000 herds of cattle per county for the development of infrastructure in the area.
Daniel Awet Akot made the remarks during a rally for the reorganization of SPLM party structures in Rumbek town about two weeks ago.
Awet Akot said the contribution would be used to finance the development of feeder roads and provide food assistance to those in need in the state.
However, the Paramount Chief of Wulu County Majak Malual described the suggestion by the SPLM veteran as a difficult task to afford.
Malual argued that it is the responsibility of the government to carry out all development projects using the vast resources in the country.
“It is the government that’s supposed to help construct the feeder roads for the community because the resources we have cannot construct roads,” Chief Majak Maluel said.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chief of Rumbek Central County Mawat Mangar said citizens contributed enough during the liberation struggle, adding that it is time for SPLM to pay back to the people.
“It is impossible for one area to contribute 20,000 herds of cattle except during our long time ago when we were contributing resources for SPLM for the liberation struggle,” Manger said.
“Now if we got our independence as a nation, is it again a responsibility for the community to contribute cattle for SPLM feeder road development in the counties?” Mangar asked.
A civil society activist in the state has also criticized the proposal put forth by the ruling party.
Daniel Laat Kon, who works for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said: “Where are the services that the SPLM promised during the liberation struggle in 1983? Also, services such as schools, hospitals, security and roads promised during general elections in 2010 and SPLM promises during independence in 2011,” he said.
“So there is a need for public accountability first before the SPLM asks citizens to contribute funds for the development of feeder roads in the community,” Laat said.
In 2005, the SPLM, through its former leader pledged to rebuild the war-devastated South Sudan using existing wealth.
The ruling party also pledged to take towns to the people through rural small town planning and rural electrification.
But till date, SPLM is yet to realize any of its missions set during the liberation struggle.