Governor Louis Lobong Lojore of Eastern Equatoria State. |File photo.

Eastern Equatoria State governor is calling on the national government to allocate a suitable percentage of the revenue collected from the state border points for the realization of its development plans.

On Thursday, the state government launched its State Strategic Development Plan 2022-2024 in the capital Torit.

The plan requires an estimated expenditure of more than SSP.82 billion with a deficit of more than SSP.71 billion, according to the government.

In his remarks, Governor Louis Lobong Lojore said the state depends on block transfers from the national government which only caters to salaries and operations costs.

Speaking at the event, Lobong calls on the national government to allocate what he describes as a “reasonable percentage” of the revenue collected in border points within Eastern Equatoria State.

“The implementation of this strategic development plan can only be possible through adequate financing,” he said.

“The state depends only on block transfers from the national government and the local revenue collections. Block transfer caters mostly to salaries and operation costs.”

“I urge the national government to increase block transfers. We also call for a reasonable percentage of the revenue collected in border points within Eastern Equatoria State. We believe our development partners will also step in.”

On his part, Titus Osundina, UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative says they are working to ensure comprehensive public financial management practices are enhanced.

Osundina said the agency is willing to work together with the government to domesticate actions in the mobilization of revenue for the realization of the goals.

“UNDP’s current commitment to ensuring sound public financial management practices stems from the desire to realize the provision of social services to the people of South Sudan,” he said.

“However, there are challenges in implementing this PFM up to now but we will continue to find solutions to be able to move and be able to domesticize all our actions in terms of revenue mobilization”.

Meanwhile, UNMISS Head of Field Office Anthony Nwapa pledges to work with the state government to implement the plan.

“We are very happy that the government is dedicated to these efforts and we in the UN as well as other development partners will work seriously to actualize all these development projects.”

“I don’t have much to say than to thank all of you for all those who have worked very well to come out with this development plan and we will always work together for its actualization and its implementation”.

The development plan was led by the State’s Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Investment and its national Ministry.

The state believes that once the requirements are met, there will be improved livelihood of the people and poverty will be eradicated.