The fire brigade officers in Kuacjok have protested payment of their two months’ salaries without increment even after the announcement by the Council of Ministers in Juba that civil servants’ salaries would be increased three times due to devaluation of the South Sudanese pound.

The fire brigade protested in the early hours of Wednesday by shooting randomly in the air following the information they have heard from colleagues that they will receive their two months’ wages without increment.

Deputy Governor Santino Akot Abiem intervened and calmed down the angry officers and said he will handle the matter, asking them to give him three days.

“I have listened to all your complaints and all are good reasons because I know after you heard that your salaries would be increased some of you here did their own calculations and you know how much you expect to receive and when you heard the increment is missing, then that is the reason that prompted to protest and it is your right,” he said.

“But I want to tell you this is the home of area of President Salva Kiir Mayardit and it is not good such protests happen here. Please allow this matter to be followed by the government,” said Akot.

He explained that miscalculations are not from the state ministry of finance, but in Juba saying that he has called the ministry of interior and was assured the problem will be rectified soon.

Akot added that Gogrial state governor and minister of finance are in Juba and they will take up the matter with the ministries concerned to quickly find a solution.

Last week, some civil servants expressed their concerns that salaries delay will hinder their farming plans during the current agricultural season.