By Jacob Onuha Nelson
The officials in Budi County of Eastern Equatoria State (EES) have presented fresh demands to State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore.
The call follows a formal letter from both the Budi County Executive and Parliamentary caucuses in the State Government, the delegation that outlined the priority issues in the county.
Among the demands are to make Buya an administrative area, approve the proposed new Payams in Budi County, upgrade Chukudum to town council status, and emergency construction of the Frak Sika Bridge.
In a statement extended to the media this week. It stated that the officials urged the state government to consider the county priorities in the state.
“Re-establishment of the Buya Administrative Area, approval of proposed new Payams in Budi County, upgrading Chukudum to town council status, and emergency construction of the Frak Sika Bridge, which has disrupted commuter access to Chukudum,” it read.
According to the statement. Governor Lobong clarified that the creation of Payams and Bomas falls under the mandate of County Commissioners and the State Minister of Local Government, adding that the “outgoing commissioners had failed to act on the matter.”
It underscored that Governor Lobong further stressed that the Presidential Order reverting the country from 32 states back to 10 is final and supersedes all previous directives.
Lobong encouraged Budi County leaders to initiate a new process to seek the re-establishment of the Buya Administrative Area and the creation of additional Payams and Bomas, in line with existing legal provisions.
The governor replied that for the upgradation of Chukudum to a town council, the area must first be assessed to confirm whether it meets the required criteria.
According to the state, the governor urged the newly appointed commissioner to prioritize the demarcation of Chukudum, observing that its growth has been slower compared to Ngauro and Camp 15.
It stated that with regard to the Frak Sika Bridge, the governor noted that plans for its construction had been discussed but were delayed due to funding constraints.
Lobong called on the former commissioner to engage both the state leadership and the local community to inform them of the project’s requirements and the need for community contributions to help realize the bridge’s construction.