In a significant shift aimed at reforming the public payroll system, the Ministry of Finance and Planning has instructed all government employees to open personal bank accounts to receive their monthly salaries.
The directive, issued through an official circular, is effective immediately and applies to all ministries, departments, and government agencies.
According to the ministry, this policy is designed to address long-standing challenges in the salary payment system, including delays, lack of transparency, and the risk of mismanagement.
By moving to a direct bank transfer system, the government hopes to streamline the process, ensure timely payment, and enhance accountability.
Discontinuation of Old Payment Methods
Traditionally, many civil servants have received their salaries in cash or through manual payment processes methods that are vulnerable to delays, loss, and inconsistencies.
These approaches are now being phased out completely. Going forward, only payments made through verified bank accounts will be recognized by the ministry.
Implementation and What Workers Should Do
All government workers are urged to act swiftly. They are advised to visit their respective human resource (HR) departments to obtain the necessary guidance and documents required for opening a bank account.
Human Resource officers are expected to coordinate closely with local banks to facilitate a smooth transition, especially for workers based in remote areas or counties with limited access to banking services.
For civil servants in rural areas or conflict-affected regions, where banks are scarce or non-existent, questions remain about how the directive will be effectively implemented.
The Finance Ministry has not yet issued clear guidelines on how it will accommodate such employees, although further communication is expected in the coming days.
Improving Trust and Accountability
This policy marks a broader effort by the government to introduce financial reforms and curb payroll fraud such as the payment of "ghost workers" who exist only on paper.
With a bank-based system, each employee’s payment history can be easily tracked, ensuring only legitimate workers receive public funds.
Reactions and Concerns
While some civil servants have welcomed the move, seeing it as a step toward modernization and greater financial security, others have expressed concern over potential delays in opening accounts or accessing their funds in areas with limited banking infrastructure.
There are also worries about whether banks will be equipped to handle a sudden influx of new customers and whether workers will be trained to use banking services effectively.
Conclusion
As South Sudan continues to stabilize its economy and improve governance, reforms like these are essential for building public trust and enhancing service delivery.
Civil servants are encouraged to comply with the directive promptly and to reach out to HR or local bank branches for support during the transition.
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