South Sudan’s National Minister of Transport, Madut Biar, has requested the cabinet to approve the autonomy of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) to operate independently.
Lack of proper road networks makes air transport the most viable means of moving people and goods within most areas of South Sudan.
The SSCAA was established in 2011 after independence and is recognized as the 193rd member of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The Transport Minister also requested that the finance ministry pay arrears of international organizations so that they can benefit from their services.
Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth confirmed the requests after the weekly Council of Ministers meeting on Friday.
He revealed that the SSCAA has been operating through a presidential order and did not have a legal framework.
The Transport Minister also requested payments for Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency, Africa Civil Aviation Commission, and Aircraft Certification Office, which were all approved.
A committee comprising of the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Office of the President, SSCAA, and National Revenue Authority was established to look into airport problems.
The committee is to report back to the cabinet within one month from the approval date.
