South Sudan’s Vice President, James Wani Igga has urged the various political parties in the country to assess the needs of the population and provide the services they require.
Speaking at a public lecture held in Torit State legislative assembly Friday, Igga said political parties should engage the masses on their demands.
He said every party must turn people’s demand into general policies.
“You go out there, outreach the people by studying what they need and turn all those into policies because we are here on behalf of the people as a government. What can you do without the people if you are alone? So the demands people fight for must be turned into policies,” said Igga.
The Vice President urged the country’s ruling party (SPLM) to take the lead in efforts to solicit and prioritize people’s needs and demands.
“Every political party has to solicit and prioritize needs of the people. When we went, we were soliciting needs of the people in remote bomas. What do they want? Is it water, school or hospital? But if you don’t go to them, you are not doing the right thing,” said Igga.
“These are important parts every political party must do and SPLM, which is the ruling party, should be at the forefront,” he added.
Igga, who is the third most powerful man in the government, was in Torit State for peace mobilization.
In September 2018, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and several opposition leaders, including main opposition leader Riek Machar signed a peace deal to end the conflict that killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.