Arop
By Emmanuel Garjiek
Officials in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, have accused Nimule’s municipal council of manipulating revenue collection, which they say hinders local development.
During a ceremony last week that welcomed Nimule’s first mayor, Magwi County Commissioner Pole-Pole Benjamin Olum highlighted irregularities in tax collection, claiming they have prevented the county from receiving its required 40% share. He alleged that some municipal officials were appointing staff for personal gain, disrupting fair revenue distribution.
“Nimule is a busy town, but revenue manipulation and self-employment are significant issues,” Olum stated. “These challenges have deprived Magwi County of its rightful funds, affecting service delivery. I trust the new mayor will resolve these problems so both local governments can operate effectively.”
National lawmaker Patrick Lodinga urged collaboration to ensure economic stability and called for security forces to crack down on criminal gangs.
“Nimule is a diverse town with people from many backgrounds under your leadership,” Lodinga told the new mayor. “If you are afraid, don’t take the job. Enforce the law and cooperate with security forces to maintain order.”
Meanwhile, Charles Ambrose Lokonoi, the state governor’s advisor on gender and social welfare, issued municipal authorities a 90-day deadline to eliminate gang activity, citing increasing crime and public fear.
“These gangs must be eradicated within 90 days,” Lokonoi declared. “They are destabilizing the community, and we cannot tolerate it.”
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