A major revenue scandal has hit Juba City Council in South Sudan, with 32 revenue collectors arrested following investigations that exposed widespread financial misconduct. The irregularities reportedly cost the council approximately 50 percent of its resources. The arrests were announced by Caretaker Mayor Christopher Sarafino Wani Swaka, who disclosed that investigations had uncovered serious weaknesses in the council's former paper-based revenue collection system.
The arrested revenue collectors are currently facing disciplinary proceedings, with some at risk of dismissal. Mayor Christopher attributed the financial irregularities to significant weaknesses in the council's former manual revenue collection methods, which relied on Form 15 and other paper-based procedures. He emphasized that the council has since transitioned to a digitized platform to prevent financial misconduct and enhance transparency.
The shift to digital revenue collection is part of the council's efforts to ensure proper accounting of public funds. Mayor Christopher stated that the council is now 100 percent digitized, 100 percent transparent, and 100 percent accountable. This move was motivated by complaints from residents and business owners regarding the transparency of revenue collection and the fees imposed by the council.
Limited access to official tax schedules had caused confusion among traders and residents about the charges they were expected to pay. To address these issues, the council has launched an official website, www.jccgov.ss, where the public can access the annual budget, tax schedules, and municipal bylaws. The website aims to enhance the accessibility of the council's financial and administrative information.
The council has also created a public relations department and plans to introduce a toll-free call center, allowing residents to report misconduct and seek information directly from the council. Mayor Christopher emphasized that this move will help bridge the communication gap between the institution and residents.
To ensure accountability, all revenue collectors will be required to wear official Juba City Council uniforms featuring unique identification numbers. This will facilitate the identification of individuals involved in any misconduct. Mayor Christopher assured residents that they can easily file a report if they believe someone has treated them unfairly.
The reforms aim to restore public trust in the council and ensure that revenue collection is transparent and accountable. The council's efforts to digitize its revenue collection and improve transparency are seen as a step towards addressing the financial irregularities and preventing future misconduct.
Key points
- 32 revenue collectors arrested for financial misconduct in Juba City Council
- Council transitions to digitized revenue collection platform to enhance transparency
- Official website and toll-free call center launched to improve communication with residents
