The Juba City Council (JCC) has launched a digital financial payment system and a public website to address concerns over transparency in revenue collection and public fund management. This move is part of efforts to reform the institution and improve accountability. The launch was announced by Christopher Sarafino Wani Swaka, the caretaker mayor of JCC, on Friday, October 31, 2026.
According to Mayor Swaka, investigations uncovered financial malpractices involving some revenue collectors and administrative officers. These malpractices led to the loss of 50 percent of the Council's resources. As a result, 32 rate collectors were arrested and are currently facing disciplinary action, with some facing dismissal. The mayor stated that the council has completed the transition from manual revenue collection to a digital system.
The digital payment system aims to improve transparency and accountability in revenue collection. Mayor Swaka stated that the council is now 100 percent digitalized, transparent, and accountable. The reforms were prompted by complaints from residents and business owners who questioned the transparency of JCC's revenue collection operations, particularly taxes and fees imposed on them.
The JCC has also launched an official website, www.jccgov.ss, where residents can access information about its operations, including the annual budget, tax schedules, and municipal bylaws. The website aims to address complaints that the council's tax schedules were not easily accessible to the public. This move is intended to improve communication between the council and the public.
As part of the reforms, the council has established a public relations department to improve communication with the public through different platforms. A toll-free call centre has also been established to allow residents to report concerns and seek information directly from the institution. This will enable residents to provide feedback and hold the council accountable.
To improve accountability, revenue collectors are now required to wear Juba City Council uniforms bearing unique control numbers linked to their identities. This measure aims to prevent malpractice and ensure that revenue collectors can be identified. Mayor Swaka stated that this will enable residents to report any misconduct by revenue collectors.
The introduction of the digital payment system and website is a significant step towards improving transparency and accountability in the Juba City Council. The reforms aim to address longstanding concerns over revenue collection and public fund management. With these changes, the council hopes to regain the trust of residents and business owners and improve the overall efficiency of its operations.
Key points
- The Juba City Council has completed the transition to a digital payment system to improve transparency and accountability.
- The council's reforms aim to address longstanding concerns over revenue collection and public fund management.
- A new website and toll-free call centre have been established to improve communication between the council and the public.
