Optimism for pensioners as gov’t set to clear SSP 43b, $75m in payment

JUBA – The government of South Sudan has set in motion plans by approving South Sudanese Pounds 43 billion and $75 million in a move that could see struggling retirees finally receiving their dues.

This was revealed in a strategic meeting between Dak Duop Bichiok, the Minister of Public Service and Vice President for Economic Cluster Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, that focused on pensions, payroll reform, and long-standing public sector issues.

“The Vice President issued a directive for the urgent settlement of pension arrears accrued between 2011 and 2023, estimated at SSP. 43 billion and USD. 75 million,” reads the statement by the VP’s press unit.

“This will bring long-overdue relief to retirees who dedicated their lives to public service at home and in foreign missions,” it added.

The Vice President stated that pension administration is a national commitment that must be carried out fairly, transparently, and with the utmost regard for aged citizens.

Moreover, he called for the full implementation of the Ministry of Finance’s directive requiring all government employees to open bank accounts, as a vital step toward payroll transparency and eliminating ghost names.

“Dr. Bol Mel announced a new partnership between the Government of South Sudan and the World Bank to introduce a nationwide biometric registration system,” the statement noted “This system, to be rolled out at both national and state levels, will enhance accuracy and accountability in managing the civil service workforce.”

Mr. Bol Mel cited that these histrionic measures by President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s government will restore dignity to retirees, develop trust with civil servants, and ensure public service actually serves South Sudan.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Duop said: “These are the arrears from 2011 to 2023, which amount to 43 billion SSP and 75 million U.S. dollars. So, in these points, he gives us a directive on how we will pay this money.”

Mr. Bichiok called for complete compliance across all government sectors after pointing out that many states are not making contributions to the pension fund.

“The third point is this, we discuss with him [VP] the states that are not paying their contribution to the public, to the pension fund,” he explained.

“And he will direct and discuss those states, which are the Lake States, the Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Central Equatoria States, Western Equatorial State, and Unity, because the pension fund is central. So, that it’s being proclaimed at a national level,” he stressed.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Angelo Deng Rehan, Chairman of the South Sudan Pension Fund Board of Trustees, and Mr. Edward Yier Yier, General Manager of the Fund.