The Mayor of Kapoeta Municipal Council, Kolotede Lomuria Abraham, has acknowledged mounting operational challenges facing the municipality, citing delayed salaries, limited mobility, and insecurity as major obstacles undermining effective service delivery.
Speaking in an interview, Mayor Lomuria described salary delays as the most urgent concern, noting that irregular payment of civil servants has significantly disrupted municipal operations and staff performance.
“We have a problem of delay of salaries. Workers are not always available at the service because of the delay,” Lomuria said.
The mayor explained that the problem extends beyond Kapoeta, reflecting a wider national financial crisis affecting government institutions across South Sudan, from the national level in Juba to state, county, and municipal administrations.
He admitted that the prolonged financial strain has tested the morale and resilience of municipal employees.
Despite the difficulties, Lomuria praised municipal workers for continuing to serve under challenging circumstances, describing their commitment as an act of patriotism and public service.
“We are managing it like that. We are volunteering. We are patriotic. We are servants of the people,” he said.
Beyond financial constraints, the mayor also pointed to limited mobility as a key administrative challenge.
He explained that inadequate transport resources restrict the municipality’s ability to conduct regular field supervision, monitor projects, and respond swiftly to community needs.
Insecurity remains another concern affecting both residents and municipal officials. Lomuria acknowledged that sporadic security incidents continue to disrupt normal activities and complicate service delivery, particularly in outlying areas of the municipality.
Nevertheless, the mayor insisted that development efforts in Kapoeta are gaining ground despite the setbacks.
He highlighted several ongoing projects aimed at improving public services and stimulating local economic activity, including road rehabilitation works, upgrades to the Kapoeta airstrip, and the installation of street lighting to enhance safety and visibility within the town.
“We have a lot of developments. If you go to Kapoeta, you will see,” Lomuria said, expressing confidence in the municipality’s progress.
In a message to residents, investors, and development partners, the mayor described Kapoeta as a peaceful and business-friendly town with significant untapped potential.
He encouraged stakeholders to visit the municipality and witness the developments firsthand.
“Let them come and see by themselves. Kapoeta is a peaceful town, a town of business,” he said.
While acknowledging persistent structural and financial challenges, municipal authorities maintain that progress remains possible through collective effort, resilience, and sustained support striking a delicate balance between hardship and hope in one of Eastern Equatoria State’s key urban centers.
