Changkuoth Bichiok Reth, the Chairperson for the Finance Committee in the National Parliament during a talk show - Credit | Lou Nelson/Eye Radio | May 20, 2022

The Chairperson for the Finance Committee in the National Parliament said the government is planning to retire about 1,500 civil servants at the age of 65 years.

Changkuoth Bichiock Reth stated that the decision was taken following a meeting with the Ministers of Presidential Affairs, Public Service, Finance and the General Manager of South Sudan Pension.

The discussion centred on how elderly civil servants can be sent home for retirement to give space for the recruitment of young graduates.

Bichock said the government organs have drafted a resolution to allocate about 15 billion South Sudanese pounds to retire the government workers.

“After engaging with the South Sudan pension funds, we found out that they have almost arrears of 26 billion pounds that were not paid to them,” Hon. Changkuoth said.

“Whatever collection they are doing is not sufficient, so, we felt because of the amount, which is not in place, we agreed to cut some money from somewhere and try to pay that amount, the 26 billion pounds,” he said.

“For the retirement to kick off, in this year’s budget, we managed to allocate 15 billion pounds’ arrears of the pension that we give this amount to the pension so that they retire people.”

The lawmaker is calling on the civil servants who have hit the retirement age to retire and allow young people to be recruited into the government system.

He is calling on the civil servants who have hit the retirement age to retire and allow young people to be recruited into the government system.

“I want to assure our public that, the issue of retirement, we are serious about it and that is why we are engaging those people who are in those departments that the retirement has to take place,” he said.

“So, tomorrow if your name appears to be part of those to go for retirement, please accept it so that at least the young people, the young people can also come and try their best.”

Changkuoth spoke during Eye Radio’s Sundown live discussion on Wednesday.