Disappointment Over Unseen Impact of Oil Revenues: Calls for Action in Unity State Airstrip Development
Leaving the Bentiu airstrip filled with disappointment, Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, expressed frustration over the lack of visible impact resulting from the allocation of 5% of oil revenues. Questioning the utilization of these funds for state and community development, Yakani raised concerns about the failure of political leaders in Unity State to translate the oil revenue share into tangible benefits for the people.
“It is disheartening to witness the absence of essential infrastructure funded by the oil revenue share in Unity State,” lamented Yakani. “The lack of shelters for passengers at the Unity State airstrip, with even basic waiting structures missing, highlights the glaring neglect in utilizing resources for development.”
Highlighting the urgency for action, Yakani emphasized the need to pressure national parliamentarians from Unity State and other oil-producing regions to ensure that the allocated 5% of oil revenues directly contributes to addressing developmental needs in the state and community.
“The distressing reality of extreme poverty and hardships faced by our fellow citizens in oil-producing communities, exacerbated by natural disasters like floods, underscores the urgent need for accountability in resource utilization,” stressed Mr. Yakani.
Yakani further criticized the imposition of fees on passengers at the airstrip, stating, “It is unjustifiable to levy a fee of 2000 South Sudanese pounds on each passenger before flight bookings for airstrip services. The lawmakers of Unity State must address this issue promptly.”
Concluding his remarks, Yakani cautioned, “The mismanagement and denial of proper utilization of the 5% oil revenue share for development purposes depict a self-inflicted curse on our communities. It is imperative that corrective actions are taken to ensure that oil production translates into prosperity and well-being for all.”
