By James Innocent
Authorities in Yei County are intensifying preparations for the funeral and memorial arrangements of the 14 victims who died in the recent plane crash near Luri, as families continue to wait for the completion of DNA identification processes currently underway in Juba.
The tragic crash, which occurred while the aircraft was traveling from Yei to Juba, claimed the lives of all 14 people on board, triggering widespread grief across Yei River County and the broader region.
The commissioner of Yei River County, Samuel Henry Malimbo, has directed the steering committee responsible for the funeral arrangements to continue mobilising resources and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure a dignified send-off.
Speaking during a meeting with the funeral organising committee, Commissioner Malimbo commended the efforts of religious leaders, civil society organisations, and community members who have been supporting bereaved families and assisting with preparations for the memorial prayers.
The steering committee is chaired by Joseph Arike, the vicar general of the Catholic Diocese of Yei.
Arike stated that the committee is committed to keeping affected families and the wider public informed to maintain transparency throughout the process and will provide an official public update on the progress of the DNA identification.
The funeral committee has approved a working budget of SSP 34,214,000 to facilitate the memorial prayers and related activities.
County authorities have reviewed and confirmed the final budget for the joint memorial service planned at Freedom Square.
To support these efforts, 4.5 million pounds have been raised from religious institutions and civil society groups.
Committee member Archengello Modi noted that further contributions are expected from partners once the final budget framework is fully communicated.
Commissioner Malimbo strongly urged well-wishers and supporters to coordinate directly with the steering committee to ensure transparency and accountability in handling donations.
Community members have proposed establishing a collective burial site for the victims, arguing that a shared resting place could serve as a permanent memorial for the people of Yei and future generations.
Modi indicated that the proposal remains under discussion and will require agreement between the affected families, the steering committee, and county authorities before any final decision is made.
The schedule for the joint memorial prayers depends on the forensic timeline; if the DNA identification process concludes before May 9, then the memorial prayers will proceed as scheduled at Freedom Square.
However, if the process extends beyond May 9, the ceremony will be postponed to a later date.