The newly appointed mayor of South Sudan’s capital pledged Monday to transform Juba’s city council into a responsive and accountable institution, focusing on fixing poor infrastructure and restoring public trust.
Speaking at his swearing-in ceremony, Mayor Christopher Sarafino Wani Swaka acknowledged the city faces significant challenges, including ineffective waste management and economic hardships.
“With our coming, we’re going to make some small changes in the city council so that it can be responsive, collect revenue effectively, and deliver services to the people,” Swaka said.
He said reforms would focus on improving service delivery and administrative efficiency. Swaka emphasized that the Juba City Council has historically operated without a specific budget, relying on limited revenue collection, which has hampered its ability to address citizens’ needs.
He pledged to work with deputies and staff to rebuild public confidence. Swaka also assured Central Equatoria State Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel that his administration would present a detailed, 100-day action plan within two weeks.
Governor Emmanuel welcomed the new leadership and called for teamwork and discipline. He set ambitious expectations, challenging them to make Juba “a second Kigali” in cleanliness and waste management, referencing the Rwandan capital renowned for its order.
“You were chosen by Almighty God. I’m only implementing His will,” the governor said, urging the team to “work as one family.”
Deputy Govnor Paulino Lokudu Obede reinforced the call for change, stating, “This city still looks like a modern village…we need a real transformation.”
He cautioned that tax collection must translate into tangible benefits for residents. “You cannot collect tax from somebody that needs a bridge and you don’t construct a bridge where it is necessary,” Obede said.
He also warned against complacency, saying, “We will not make Juba City Council a retirement package. We need a transformative leadership with great ideas and great minds.”
In recognition of his service, the governor appointed former Mayor Johnson Swaka as a technical advisor on local government. The former mayor congratulated the new team, praising the inclusion of young leaders as a positive shift.