Unity State Parliament reopens

31 Oct 2011

Unity State Parliament reopens

26 October 2011 - Opening the third session of Unity State Parliament today in the state capital of Bentiu, Governor Lt. Gen. Taban Deng Gai called on its 48 members to promote hard work and entrepreneurship in the state.

"Public lectures on agriculture, micro and small business enterprises encouraging our people to make use of the available resources will help as they move away from the infamous dependency syndrome for substandard goods," the governor said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, which was themed "Together for formation of democratic nation and provision of services to the people of Unity State", Governor Gai called for visionary leadership to uplift local communities economically and socially.

"South Sudan communities are capable of making the desired change themselves," said Governor Gai. "All they need is informed direction and guidance from visionary leaders who will be able to facilitate consultative processes towards achieving the envisioned development."

He said the role of leaders should include building community capacity to implement anticipated change.

Speaker Simon Maguek highlighted the legislative assembly's commitment to ensure there was good governance in the state by overseeing and ensuring that services were delivered transparently and efficiently with accountability to the people.

"The bill of Constituency Development Fund tabled during the last session will be passed into law to enable governments, when resources are available, to be distributed equally throughout the state to enhance development, including the building of schools, roads and health centres," Mr. Maguek said.

The opening ceremony was attended by various stakeholders, including members of the international community.