The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning in Lakes State has highlighted that six state ministries, 8 counties, and a municipality have not received their salaries due to a shortage of funds.
Minister Majok Anhiem made the revelation on Wednesday during the presentation of the state’s annual budget which totals up to SSP 25,617,896,275.
He appealed to the national finance minister to expeditiously intervene by releasing all deductions to 10 states and 3 administrative areas, encompassing workers, trader unions, SPLM Party 5% deduction from civil servants, personal income tax (PIT), and pensions.
The budget was rejected last month by the state assembly due to the omission of the 400 percent salary increment and hut tax.
“The Lakes State Legislative Assembly in Rumbek has passed this total resource envelope with amendments. The 25 billion is divided into three chapters: Chapter One covers salaries, Chapter Two addresses operational costs, and Chapter Three pertains to capital expenditures. It encompasses all three chapters of the budget,” Minister Anhiem said. “Within this 25 billion, there is also the 400 percent salary increase for our civil servants in non-line ministries, including the Ministry of Health. However, it’s important to note that the Ministry of General Education is an exception because its funding comes directly from the national government.”
“I want to assure the people of Lakes State today that the government has diligently worked to pass the budget and next we request the national Ministry of Finance to expedite the implementation of this 400 percent salary raise as there are six ministries that are yet to be covered,” he added.
Anhiem appealed to the national finance ministry to urgently disburse the salary arrears for August because the Christmas festive season is approaching.
“No government can operate effectively without these operational funds. We also request the release of all Personal Income Tax (PIT), and employee deductions, including those for workers, trade unions, SPLM, and pensions,” Anhiem said. “These funds are crucial for the states and are integral to the allocation provided by the National Ministry of Finance.”
According to the minister, the salaries of the employees of some of the state ministries were not paid because the national finance ministry did not ascertain the number of staff in the states.
“When the National Minister of Finance was appointed and the 400 percent salary increment was announced, he was pressed for time and did not have the opportunity to consult with the state ministers of finance and labor to determine the exact manpower and total amount needed,” Anhiem clarified. “There is no intermediary who will deduct from your 400 percent salary increment. I assure you that your salary, along with the 400 percent raise, is forthcoming for the six ministries and eight counties, including the municipality,”
“The current national finance minister has only been in office for two months and some of the outstanding months are from the tenure of former ministers but we request him to prioritize payments, and we specifically urge him to consider covering July and August,” he added.
The Acting Speaker of the Lakes State Legislative Assembly, Ayen Meen Ador, announced that the state’s fiscal budget for 2023/24 was successfully approved.
“Our role is to represent the will of our people, and we have diligently carried out that responsibility. The six ministries currently facing salary delays will soon receive their salaries. We are committed to working on their behalf,” he stated. “We assure the public that we will fulfill the 400 percent salary raise for the six ministries and eight counties. As we approach Christmas, I urge everyone, including boda-boda riders, to exercise caution and maintain a slow speed to prevent accidents.”
“Today is a joyous day, as we have successfully passed our budget,” Speaker Meen concluded.