by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOME differences between South Sudan and the World Bank are hindering the implementation of the multimillion dollar digital connectivity project in the world’s newest country.
David Yauyau, the Deputy Minister of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services, disclosed the government’s disgruntlement late Monday as he addressed the East Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP) meeting in the capital, Juba.
A grant of US$67 million from the World Bank and the International Development Association (IDA) is to spearhead the digital connectivity initiative but appears to have run into a plethora of challenges.
Yauyau mentioned these to include staffing projects with more international staff than locals, instability within the project implementation unit (PIU) as well as irregularities in PIU salaries and delays in approving programmes and projects by the World Bank.
The deputy minister also alleged lack of respect from the foreign specialists to the ministry and the project coordinator.
“While we are making great strides, we also face challenges that threaten to delay our progress of the project,” Yauyau said.
The ministry has therefore requested the World Bank to consider recruiting South Sudanese into senior managerial positions rather than foreign nationals.
The ministry argues the World Bank projects are “overstaffed” with foreigners, hence it is advocating for locals.
“Nationals would respect the protocols more than foreigners, if they were given priorities,” Yauyau said.
The five-year project became effective March 1, 2023.
Among the major components of the digital connectivity project in the landlocked South Sudan is the implementation of the fibre optic project from neighbouring Kenya, which is due to be laid down earlier next year.
On a positive note, Yauyau disclosed the World Bank funding of $191 000 for PIU office space, which will be used to renovate the building of the ministry.
Independent since 2011, the nation of over 12 million people has committed to accelerating the rollout of the digital projects, to make up for years of underachievement emanating from conflict.
– CAJ News