Audio Briefing: Friday 1st May, 2025 – Salaries, Flood Risks and Trade Reforms

(JUBA) – Civil servants in parts of South Sudan are going months without pay, while experts warn that poor flood management continues to affect communities, as the government rolls out new reforms in trade and public services.

A civil society activist in Kapoeta South County, Eastern Equatoria State, has urged authorities to ensure timely payment of salaries. Juma Tikol, Secretary General of the Eastern Equatoria Civil Society Network, said many workers have gone for nearly a year and several months without pay. He made the remarks during Labour Day commemorations in an interview with Singaita 88.3 FM on Thursday.

At the national level, President Salva Kiir has called on newly appointed ministers and security officials to serve with integrity and prioritise public welfare. Speaking at the State House, he urged them to remain loyal to the country and carry out their duties with professionalism, according to a statement from the Office of the President dated April 30.

Concerns over flooding are also growing. Environmental experts have called for urgent action to improve flood management and protect the Sudd wetlands, one of the largest wetland systems in the region. The call came during a workshop organised by the White Nile and Sudd Centre in collaboration with Wake Forest University. Acting Executive Director Tong Deng Anei said delegates from flood affected areas met to discuss practical ways to manage water resources and reduce disaster risks.

In Western Equatoria State, authorities have allocated land for the construction of a modern reference laboratory in Yambio. The facility is expected to improve detection and response to infectious diseases including Ebola and mpox. Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa said the laboratory will reduce reliance on testing in Juba and strengthen local health services.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has launched an online Trade Information Hub aimed at simplifying import and export procedures. Officials say the platform will provide clearer guidance for investors and improve access to market information, helping businesses navigate cross border trade more easily.

In Central Equatoria State, the Council of Ministers has approved a plan to map recreational centres and playgrounds across Juba. The initiative is intended to restore public spaces and improve access to leisure facilities. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony.

In regional news, residents of Ggaba Trading Centre in Uganda celebrated after a court sentenced Christopher Okello Onyum to death for the murder of four children. The ruling was delivered at a mobile High Court session in Kampala, drawing large crowds and strong reactions from the community.