Businesswoman threatens legal action against Jonglei over $23k unpaid bills

BOR – A businesswoman has threatened legal action against the Jonglei State Government, accusing authorities of failing to settle payments worth over $23,000 for goods supplied to the governor’s residence and other state facilities nearly two years ago.

Documents reviewed by this publication show that Marcy General Trading Company Limited submitted invoices for food and non-food items delivered to the governor’s residence and the Jonglei State Guest House in Bor.

Speaking to Sudans Post, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Nyajima Gatluak Gatbel, said the supplies were made following a request from the governor’s office after a leadership transition in 2024.

“It was in June 2024 when a new governor came in. The office of the governor requested me to supply food and non-food items. I submitted a quotation as requested, it was approved, and I delivered everything they needed,” Gatluak said.

She explained that the items were received by officials within the governor’s office, including the protocol officer and members of the secretariat in Bor. According to her, the supplies were used to prepare the residence ahead of the governor’s arrival, after which the property was formally handed over.

Gatluak said she initially received a partial payment of $10,000 before delivery, but the remaining balance has not been settled despite repeated follow-ups.

“The total amount was $33,500, leaving a balance of $23,500. I was not paid again until Governor Majup was relieved. I later followed up with the coordination office, and when Dr Riek was appointed, I met him, showed him my documents, and he agreed to pay. But since then, I have been blocked from meeting him again,” she said.

She warned that the prolonged delay has severely affected her business operations, leaving her unable to sustain the company or pursue legal redress.

“If I had the means, I would open a lawsuit against the Jonglei State Government, but I am financially constrained. That is why I came to the media, hoping my voice would be heard and my payment made so my business can resume,” she added.

Gatluak also alleged intimidation by some officials while pursuing her claim.

“Some members in the governor’s office are intimidating and threatening me. They are the same people who have been blocking me from meeting the governor when I try to follow up on my payment,” she said, vowing not to abandon her demand.

Supporting documents indicate that in a letter dated July 8, 2024, the Office of the Acting Secretary General, Deng Monyjok Deng, requested the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Investment to release $6,326.1 for food supplies delivered to the governor’s residence.

An earlier request, dated July 1, 2024, sought approval for the release of SSP 52,800,500 (approximately $17,600) to cover furniture and food supplies delivered to the Jonglei State Guest House. The request described the payment as urgent and instructed that the funds be charged to the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs/Secretariat General budget.

However, handwritten remarks on one of the documents suggest that the Ministry of Finance declined immediate payment, citing financial constraints. The note acknowledged the legitimacy of the claim but stated that the state was “not financially in a position to pay it now,” proposing that the matter be revisited alongside salary disbursements.

The Jonglei State Government has yet to publicly respond to the allegations.