Louis Lobong, Governor of Eastern Equatoria state. | Credit | Courtesy
The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong Lojore, on Wednesday established Ngauro Town Council in Ngauro Payam of Budi County, giving the area a new administrative status.
According to the State Deputy Secretary-General Siro Silvio
Ewak, the decision followed a resolution by the Council of Ministers to elevate
the area to town council status.
Ewak explained that the move was guided by the Local
Government Act, which allows towns that demonstrate viability, population
growth, and expanding economic activity to be upgraded
Ngauro met all these
criteria, with its growing population, increasing business activity, and
available local resources.
“Ngauro, having met all those requirements, it was passed by
the Council of Ministers that this town is growing faster and therefore it has
to be blessed or established as a Town Council,” Ewak said.
He added that the distance between Ngauro and the Budi
County headquarters in Chukudum was also considered, noting that creating a
town council would bring administrative services closer to residents and
strengthen governance.
The executive order establishing the town council was issued
on Wednesday, while appointments of officials to run the administration will
follow. Under the local government structure, a Town Clerk will head the
council and report directly to the state government.
Ewak also called on residents to understand that the
creation of towns or municipalities is based on development indicators such as
population growth, economic activity, and resource potential.
“Eastern Equatoria sometimes is giving unnecessary reaction
to the establishment of towns. I want to make it clear that when a town has all
those qualities, that particular town deserves that graduation to another
level. So, Ngauro Town Council has all those qualities,” he said.
The establishment of Ngauro Town Council is expected to
improve governance and service delivery for residents of Ngauro Payam and
surrounding communities in Budi County.
