By Sabri Dibaco
The Deputy Governor of Western Equatoria State, Justin Joseph Marona, has returned to Yambio after a two-month official visit to the national capital, Juba, where he said he engaged national authorities on peace implementation, election preparations, and economic challenges facing the state.
Speaking to journalists upon his arrival at Yambio Airport on Tuesday, Marona said his visit focused on advancing the Rokon Peace Consensus involving the governments of Western and Central Equatoria states, as well as discussions on South Sudan’s preparations for the upcoming general elections.
The Deputy Governor said he also held meetings with the Central Bank of South Sudan to seek practical financial support for Western Equatoria, emphasising the need for actual liquidity to address the state’s economic challenges.
“We discussed how the national government can rescue Western Equatoria State in terms of actual liquidity, rather than figures on paper,” Marona said.
He added that he also met officials from several national institutions, including the South Sudan Pension Fund, to discuss issues affecting the state and explore ways of improving public service delivery.
Marona commended Alison Barnaba, the former acting governor and former minister of local government and law enforcement, for steering the affairs of the state during the absence of the governor and deputy governor.
He also praised both former and current state ministers for their service and welcomed the newly appointed county commissioners and state ministers, urging them to work diligently in serving the people of Western Equatoria.
Ahead of South Sudan’s 15th independence anniversary on July 9, the deputy governor called on citizens to remember the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence.
“The people of South Sudan contributed with tears, blood, and agony for the independence of South Sudan. I wish everyone a happy celebration,” he said.
Marona also announced that the Governor of Western Equatoria State, Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, is expected to return to Yambio on Wednesday, July 8, following his stay in Juba.
Deputy Governor Justin Joseph Marona has been in Juba for the past two months on official duties representing the Western Equatoria State Government.
His visit comes at a time when South Sudan is intensifying efforts to implement outstanding provisions of the 2018 agreement while preparing for the country’s anticipated general elections.
Western Equatoria State has also been seeking national support to address financial constraints affecting public services and development initiatives.