By Jacob Onuha nelson
The China National Petroleum Company (CNPC) has yesterday handed over non- food relief items to flood-affected communities in Unity State.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Unity state coordination office in Juba, Victoria Benjamin Bol, a representative from the Ministry of petroleum and Unity state director for community development appreciated the generous support given by the CNPC.
Benjamin stated that the hardship and internally displaced persons don’t only deprive the communities but had also led to loss of lives.
“Families have seen their homes swamped away, livestock lost, farmland submerged, and livelihoods destroyed,” Benjamin said.
She emphasized that through the extended hand of solidarity and compassion with the provision of living tents, blankets, mats mosquitoes, nets, soap and malaria medicines had met the immediate communities needs.
“CNPC has helped thousands of families meet their immediate needs. This support is a clear demonstration of true partnership and humanity while much has been achieved before,” Benjamin appreciated.
In her part, Martha Remijo Rial, representative from the Ministry of foreign affairs, expressed her gratitude toward the support bestowed to the flood affected community.
“We extend words of thanks and appreciation to people and government of China for the support. More again, thank you for promoting action towards the needy, our people in unity,” Martha appreciated the Government of China.
Martha stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation would like to appreciate outstanding efforts during the traffic act of nature of flood – affected Unity State and quick humanitarian response to it.
“The gathering represents step in continuation to strengthen the cooperation for a lasting partnership between South Sudan and China,” She assured.
However, since the Republic of South Sudan Got its independence on 9th of July in 2011, China was one of the first country to signed a diplomatic relation with.
Meanwhile, Dr. Samahan Chuoryier Koryom who represented the state governor during the handover ceremony of non-food relief supplies for the state emphasized that the support signified compassion and solidarity that remind the people of their shared humanity.
“The support we have received from the China embassy is not just a gesture of good will, it represents a deep commitment to helping those in need and the strengthening partnership between South Sudan and the Republic of China” he stated.
Early this month, Authorities in Unity State said that about 200,000 households has been displaced by devastating floods that swept through the area in recent weeks, with Panyijiar, Koch, Mayendit, and Leer counties being the most affected.
He noted the People’s Republic of China is a true friend to people of South Sudan for quite long since the time of the country’s liberation struggle and after independence.
Chuolyier added that the Chinese continued to support whether in areas of economic, social, education, and humanitarian.
“We really appreciate you for always standing with us during the most difficult time. I want to attest to this gathering that this is not first a first contribution our people receive receiving from you when we are in critical and difficult times” he said.
He admitted that the donation had come at the right time when everyone has known that the people were desperately in need of this kind of support.
“The level of humanitarian catastrophes is unimaginable in all part of our state. The challenges our people are going through is too much encountering” he stated.
“Disaster, diseases, hunger, lack of adequate shelters, food, which I believe with this intervention will make a great impact in their lives once they receive those items” he added.
He confirmed that the donation was wholeheartedly received and assured to start transporting them to their intended destination so that the victims of the flooding and conflict receive them.
He added that the supply provided would make an important difference in the lives of many individuals and families facing challenges in Unity State.
“We are thankful for the response and the dedication shown by the Chinese Embassy, China Embassy to elevate suffering and provide essential resources to the people of South Sudan particularly the people of Unity State” he stressed.
In recent weeks, widespread flooding has engulfed large parts of Jonglei, Upper Nile and Unity states in the north of the country.
According to the United Nation’s Agency, the situation is expected to be at its worst between September and October and threatens to “cut off entire communities, exacerbate hunger and heighten protection risks, particularly for women and girls.