By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Morobo County Commissioner Charles Data Bullen has urged church leaders to immediately begin implementing planned development projects on occupied land, cautioning against the common national trend of institutions holding land without actively using it.
Commissioner Bullen made the forceful remarks during a follow-up meeting with church leaders and county authorities held at the Holy Trinity Catholic Parish premises in Morobo Town. He was accompanied by the County Infrastructural Engineer, Mr. David Abusala.
The Commissioner used the engagement to stress the importance of transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process. He called upon residents and local landlords to give their full consent to the proposed developments, arguing the initiatives would significantly complement government efforts to deliver essential services.
“These projects will play a significant role in improving access to education, healthcare, and vocational skills for our people,” Commissioner Bullen stated. “However, it is crucial that both the church and the community reach a common understanding to prevent future disputes.”
The Commissioner’s follow-up visit was specifically related to a proposed expansion of the Holy Trinity Catholic Parish land.
Last week, Commissioner Bullen met with a delegation from the parish, led by the Don Bosco Congregation Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Ferington, at the Morobo County Headquarters. This initial meeting followed the installation of the new Parish Priest one month ago. The priest had expressed that the Don Bosco Congregation has plans to implement new projects soon, contingent on the availability of adequate space.
The church leadership had earlier approached the Commissioner’s office to explore expanding the current church land to accommodate key developmental projects, including the construction of a boarding secondary school, a health facility, and a vocational training institute.
The recent meetings concluded with a mutual agreement for continued dialogue between the church, local landlords, and community representatives. The Morobo County Administration remains optimistic that the matter will be harmonized soon to pave the way for the successful execution of the proposed projects.
The caution issued by the Morobo County Commissioner reflects a broader governmental concern across South Sudan regarding the hoarding of public land by various institutions and individuals without fulfilling stated development goals. Such practices often lead to stalled service delivery and protracted land disputes between the occupants and local communities.
The Morobo County Administration is actively prioritizing the development of essential social services, making the immediate, productive use of allocated land a critical policy concern.
The Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, run by the Don Bosco Congregation, is a prominent community entity, making its proposed expansion a significant test case for ensuring projects are executed efficiently and with full community backing.