(PIBOR AREA) – The Government of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area has approved a budget of 16.1 billion South Sudan Pounds (about 2.27 million US Dollars) for the 2025–2026 financial year. The budget was passed during the council of ministers’ third ordinary meeting held on Friday, 31 October 2025.
According to the Minister of Information, Jacob Werchum, the fiscal plan of 16,106,522,530 South Sudan Pounds focuses on improving governance, service delivery and community development within the area. He said the allocation demonstrates the administration’s determination to strengthen local institutions and improve the livelihoods of citizens.
Speaking in an interview with media, Minister Werchum said the budget will be used to finance key sectors, including education, health, local governance, infrastructure, and agriculture.
“These comprehensive fiscal plans reflect the government’s continued commitment to improving government operations and enhancing the livelihood of people of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area,” he said.
The newly approved spending plan distributes funds across fifteen ministries and several county level service blocks. The Ministry of Local Government received the highest share, followed by the Ministries of Education and Health.
Below is a summary of key allocations in the 2025–2026 budget:
| Ministry / Department | Allocation (SSP) | Equivalent (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry of Local Government | 556,005,286 | $78,310 |
| Ministry of Education | 368,776,889 | $51,944 |
| Ministry of Health | 198,648,922 | $27,984 |
| Ministry of Agriculture | 203,297,217 | $28,637 |
| Ministry of Physical Infrastructure | 74,032,280 | $10,424 |
| Ministry of Gender | 200,000,000 | $28,169 |
| Ministry of Sports | 130,000,000 | $18,310 |
| Ministry of Cabinet Affairs / Secretariat | 511,407,450 | $72,036 |
| Legislative Assembly | 217,448,922 | $30,630 |
| Ministry of Public Service | 97,000,000 | $13,662 |
| Ministry of Information | 103,400,893 | $14,567 |
| Ministry of Finance | 524,348,965 | $73,846 |
| Counties’ Education Block | 441,255,727 | $62,178 |
| Counties’ Health Block | 51,137,114 | $7,203 |
| Counties’ WASH (Water and Irrigation) Block | 351,137,114 | $49,464 |
The allocations show a clear focus on strengthening local government structures and improving essential public services. The combined budget for education, health, and water services alone exceeds 843 million South Sudan Pounds ($118,700), reflecting the area’s emphasis on social development.
Economic observers in Juba say the Greater Pibor budget represents an effort to decentralise spending and promote equitable development across administrative areas. They also note that the allocations to infrastructure, agriculture, and public service indicate a gradual shift toward improving productivity and governance in one of South Sudan’s least developed regions.
Analysts, however, caution that the success of the fiscal plan will depend on transparent implementation and proper monitoring. They warn that weak administrative systems and revenue collection challenges could slow progress if not addressed.
The Government of Greater Pibor has stated that it will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Finance and the National Revenue Authority to ensure effective delivery of services under the 2025–2026 plan.
The area, which has faced years of insecurity and underdevelopment, hopes that this budget will stimulate local economic growth and improve access to education, healthcare and clean water for its citizens.