Historic Revenue Figures Announced
The South Sudan Revenue Authority surprised observers this week with figures showing 956 billion South Sudanese Pounds collected in under eight months, the highest tally since the institution was formed.
Commissioner General Simon Akuei Deng told reporters that every pound has already been transferred to the Ministry of Finance and Planning for allocation in accordance with national priorities.
Civil Society Demands Visible Impact
Lorna Merekaje, who leads the Democratic Engagement, Monitoring and Observation Program, welcomed the record but questioned its visibility on the ground.
“Taxes are meant to give us hospitals that treat, schools that teach and roads that endure,” she said, pointing to eroded streets in Juba where quick cement patches replace long-term engineering.
The activist also recalled previous oil revenues, arguing that without transparent spending the fresh non-oil windfall risks leaving citizens with little more than impressive headlines.
Government Response and Fiscal Path Ahead
Officials have yet to detail specific projects to be financed, but the finance ministry insists budgetary processes will soon translate revenue into infrastructure and social services.
Economic analysts note that improved collection should broaden fiscal space, provided leakages are curbed and disbursements reach contractors in time to stabilize a fragile economy.
For now, many residents remain watchful, eager to see whether the record haul can finally pave their streets and equip their clinics.