
Juba: Alnaeim Mubarak Kuol
According to an economist in South Sudan, the preparation of the country’s annual national budgets has resulted in a persistent and large deficit, forcing the national government to seek loans, but the financial estimates do not accurately represent the interests of the people.
According to Ibrahim Malet Mamer, who made the statement on the “Sundown Show” on local EyeRadio radio station in Juba on Tuesday, the 4.2 trillion South Sudanese Pounds budget approved on November 11 is 1.9 trillion short of the expected revenues from oil and non-oil.
There are concerns that the budget arrears could lead to hyperinflation, and if a proposed additional budget of 695 billion South Sudanese Pounds is approved later this year, the deficit is expected to represent 63 percent of the total budget.
According to the Transitional National Parliament, the government can count on the expected resumption of Dar Blend oil production.