World Bank grants $10 million to support South Sudan biometric payroll project

JUBA – The World Bank has provided a $10 million grant to support South Sudan’s launch of a biometric payroll system. The project aims to combat corruption and reduce fraudulent “ghost worker” claims within the country’s public service.

The $34 million project will establish a biometric database of public servants, ensuring accurate salary management. It is expected to run for a period of four years.

“By integrating the biometric verification system with the country’s payroll, we aim to mitigate the risk and unethical payroll activities, particularly the control of potential ghost workers,” stated Public Service and Human Resource Development Minister Dak Duop Bichiok.

South Sudanese officials expressed hope that the system will improve financial transparency and encourage further World Bank support.

“If we are for this country, we must implement this biometric program so that our people will get their allowances from the World Bank, the same way they are supporting Somalia and other countries,” Bichiok added.