Yei Citizens: State Budget Must Reach Rural Areas

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents in Yei town are urging the Central Equatoria State government to focus the newly approved 2025–2026 draft budget on tangible service delivery and development across all six counties of the state.

This call follows the recent approval of a draft budget amounting to 72.3 billion South Sudanese Pounds, the equivalent of approximately 15.7 million US Dollars, during a special cabinet session held on Monday, 3 August 2025, at the State Secretariat in Juba. The meeting was chaired by the Governor of Central Equatoria, Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel.

Speaking after the meeting, Acting State Minister of Information and Communication Hon. Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado confirmed that the draft budget had been passed by the Council of Ministers after detailed deliberations. The approval also included proposed amendments to the tax rate schedules and the Appropriation Bill for the 2025/2026 fiscal period.

“The Cabinet has deliberated and passed the draft budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, estimated at 72.3 billion SSP. The approval also includes the draft tax rate schedules and the Appropriation Bill for the same period, with several amendments,” Hon. Aligo said.

The budget proposal will now be submitted to the Central Equatoria State Legislative Assembly for review and potential ratification. If passed, it will determine the state’s spending direction from July 2025 onwards.

Despite the budget’s stated focus on development, local concerns remain high, especially around basic public services and infrastructure. Many residents in Yei say they are still struggling to access healthcare, clean water, education and proper roads.

Emmanuel Malish, a resident of Dar el Salam area, said the state government needs to do more to serve communities at the grassroots.

“People are suffering without access to proper health services. There are no medicines, no health workers and no functioning health facilities in many parts of Yei River County,” he said.

Reida Nyoka, who lives in the Hai Dam area, raised concerns about water access.

“We are still fetching water from dirty wells and streams. We do not have boreholes. The government must include clean water projects in this year’s budget for Yei,” she added.

Edward Mabe, from the TTC area, stressed the need to improve education services.

“Most of the schools on the outskirts of Yei town need renovation, and teachers must be paid on time to improve education standards,” he said.

Stella David, a resident of Hai Peace area, said road infrastructure should also be a priority.

“Our roads in Yei town are in very poor condition. We need proper grading and the implementation of urban development programmes in Yei River County,” she said.

Summary of key demands raised by Yei residents: