The people of Western Bahr-el-Ghazal State have strongly called on the newly sworn-in state cabinet to prioritize the delivery of services.
A cross-section of people Radio Tamazuj sounded out during the swearing-in ceremony yesterday (Tuesday) in Wau said the new cabinet members should put their political differences aside and work for the people and the development of the state.
Cilicina Jo Alfred, a resident of Wau town said the new officials were appointed to work for the people and the communities in the state and that is what she expects of them.
“They were appointed for us, not for their interests or their relatives. We don’t want them to use the name of their political parties or their tribes, they are all South Sudanese and they are working for the people of Bahr-el-Ghazal in general. Now there are young men in this government and we hope they will work for the welfare of the people,” Cilicina said.
Kamisa Yizin said the new ministers should not sit and confine themselves in their cozy offices but visit the communities to understand the problems facing the citizens.
“Let the newly appointed ministers not stay at home or in their offices. Let them go down to the community and work with them to identify the challenges facing the people,” said Yizin.
Osman Mohamed Adam said even if it is not easy for former foes to work together, things have changed for the better because the new cabinet is representative of the people of the state.
“Today, we in Western Bahr-el-Ghazal State are very happy because God has chosen our people to become advisors, ministers, and heads of commissions in the independent commissions and commissioners in the three counties for Raja County, Wau County, and Jur River County. It means that the implementation of the peace agreement has come into force,” Adam said.
He said the formation of the state government will help improve security and asked the new administration to provide services.
“Let everyone take the responsibility that God has given to him. As the citizens, we do not want anything more, we only need services from you because this is what is expected of you,” Adam added.
Representing the newly sworn-in officials, the minister of cabinet affairs, Arkanjelo Anyar Anyar, promised that the new team will work together to provide services to the citizens despite their disparate political backgrounds.
“On behalf of my colleagues who have just taken the oath of office, I promise to translate this trust and confidence into realities and action,” said Anyar.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Sarah Cleto Rial, called on the new officials to fulfill the public’s demands.
“You cannot win the trust of the people through microphones, the public trust will appear with the services that you will deliver to them. We will not achieve real peace if we don’t give our people services,” Governor Cleto said.
Governor said providing services to the people will enable those still sheltering at the Protection of Civilians site to return home.
Last month, President Salva Kiir reconstituted the Western Bahr-el-Ghazal State government by appointing 17 state ministers, five advisors, and 30 officials of the states’ independent commissions respectively.