Several officers of South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) in Northern Bahr El Ghazal state have expressed sigh of relief after receiving improved salaries.
Some soldiers were seen marching on the streets of Aweil town on Monday after being paid their salaries.
John Gai Atem, a non-commissioned officer told the Juba Echo on Thursday that he used to previously earn 3,500 South Sudanese Pound which has now been increased to 65,000 SSP.
“The previous salary was not adding anything to me, some of our wives were divorcing us because we could afford to buy them basic needs,” Atem said during an interview in Aweil town.
Major Malual Dot Dut based at Wun-yiik military headquarter, said he had been anxiously waiting for parliament to approve the salary increment that was raised by President Salva Kiir earlier this year to 400 percent.
However, some employees in the state ministries such as local government, education and health are yet to start to receive their improved salaries like the soldiers.