Upper Nile State parliament reopens after one year. | Photo: Office of the Governor/Facebook

Upper Nile State Legislative Assembly had no choice but to delay reopening sessions for one year due to a sluggish renovation process on its premises, the state parliament spokesperson has said.

The August House reopened immediately on June 12 – with only 68 members present out of the 101 legislators after the completion of the project.

The state parliament closed in 2022 upon a recess that coincided with the building renovation.

Parliamentary spokesperson Bangok Kailech said the installation of electricity and water systems at the assembly delayed its reopening.

“What delayed the reopening was the lack of a few items for the renovation of the legislation. There was electricity network that was not complete and water network and some furniture needed,” he told Eye Radio.

“And when the things needed arrived, we confirmed the reopening of the parliament with the presence of the governor.”

The absenting MPs are believed to have been constrained by the far distances from their constituencies to Malakal town.