Prof Daniel Bromley, US-based Professor of Applied Economics - Courtesy

A US-based Professor of Applied Economics has urged the government to utilize oil revenues to create public goods and services if it is to build the trust of the citizens.

Prof Daniel Bromley told delegates at the first National Economic Conference that oil revenues must not be given to individuals for consumption but to provide essential services to the citizens.

Speaking during a panel session on the 3^rd day of the conference in Juba, Prof Bromley underscored the importance of utilizing oil proceeds to build roads, sanitation facilities, and schools.

He says creating public goods and services will enhance citizens’ confidence in the government in service delivery.

Prof Bromley adds that it is the role of policymakers to prioritize the allocation of oil revenues for the well-being of the population.

“The oil revenue must be used, some percentage of it must be used for social investment, water, sanitation, schools, roads and bridges,” said Prof Bromley.

“It must not be given to individuals for consumption, you get national wealth by creating public goods and services not by giving money to the citizen to spend for consumption,” he said.

“This investment will show people across the countryside that the government is aware of their issues, is aware of their deficit and issues to benefit them in somewhere, this is trust building, this what state create, they create trust.”

The ongoing National Economic Conference is being held under the theme: Towards Diversified, Inclusive and Sustainable Growth.

At the opening, the conference called for a conducive economic environment, financial discipline, and investment in the private sector, among others.