A report on Poverty in South Sudan raised concerns among international institutions operating in the region.
Southern Sudan Centre for Census, Statistic and Evaluation presented today in Juba a report on poverty levels in South Sudan.The study disclosed that more than half of the population in South Sudan live bellow poverty line with less than 73 pounds per month for their expenses.
On the other hand, the Greater Bahr el Ghazal region is the poorest in South Sudan with two in three people classified as poor.
Director of Economic Statistic and Poverty Evaluation, David Chan Thiang, explained that people spent most of their money on food, and little in education and other needs.
Mr. Chan said there was a huge gap to be bridged between the rich minority and the poor majority in south Sudan because the poor were ten times more than the rich.
The head of UNDP in South Sudan, Joe Fenny, said the report presented key data to the policy and decision makers in the government of southern Sudan to address the welfare of its population.
Mr. Fenny added that security, rule of law, and sound public financial management were key issues to be addressed to combat poverty through development in the region.
He highlighted the need to empower women, provide basic education, and reduce infant mortality rate.
The launch of the report “Poverty in Southern Sudan, Estimates from NBHS 2009” in Juba this morning was attended by GoSS vice president, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, and other dignitaries from the UN, NGOs and African Development Bank.