Map of Warrap State. (Courtesy)

Warrap State government said it hopes the National Minister of Finance and Planning will clear the one-year salary arears of civil servants and armed forces before 2025 to allow citizens to celebrate in good spirit.

Warrap Information Minister, William Wol Mayom stated that the government has set the ground for safe Christmas and New Year celebrations despite the country’s worrying economic situation.

Mr. Mayom said security forces have been deployed to public places in the state’s six counties to keep people safe during the Christmas eve.

“The government of Warrap State has prepared the ground for Christians to celebrate the Xmas eve. It is up to all the government levels starting from the capital Kuajok, six counties, all Payams up to Bomas.”

Mayom also emphasized the payment of one-year salary arrears for civil servants and armed forces before the year ends.

He decried what he called stressful situation faced by parents and their children who are unable to afford food and basic necessities including clothes.

“It is a bid difficult especially the civil servants, those who were expecting to get something to celebrate and also dress their loved children and their loved ones are still expecting something from the government.”

“We were hopeful because there was a directive given to the national minister of finance to release a month for the celebration. Unfortunately, we are still hopeful that it may come before the Christmas.”

“But up to now, people of Warrap State especially the civil servants are still waiting. We may get it the middle of Christmas or after the Christmas. This is actually a bid a difficult situation generally to the public especially the civil servants.”

Civil servants in South Sudan have gone for more than 10 months without receiving their salary arrears – except for the one-month salary recently disbursed to some members of the organized forces.