By Peter Kuol Kuch
Authorities of Bor County in Jonglei State inaugurated Aduar earlier this week as a second port to ease boat landings and boost economic activities for the locals in Jalle Payam.
Aduar is a well-opened swamp that is strategically situated along the Nile at Yom-Chiir Boma in Jalle Payam with proper road connectivity, which enhances fish business and other economic activities to Bor town.
Hon. Samuel Ateny Pech, the commissioner of the county, in his statement, stated that the opening of Aduar as a port for fish business and a boat landing site would encourage resettlement in the villages of Jalle and Baidit Payam.
“Under the powers conferred upon me, Aduar Port is hereby established. It’s a great opportunity for business and would encourage resettlement,” Ateny said.
Hon. Ateny emphasised further that the newly established port would act as another step to reduce overcrowding at the Lue-diet port, which is currently the biggest fish market in Jonglei.
Meanwhile, a mother of six children by the name of Yom Nai, who participated in the fish business in Bor, appreciated the step taken by the county government to establish a second port in Bor County, citing that it would create more business opportunities for women and youth in the county.
“When we heard about the Aduar being opened as another port, we became very excited because I knew that would create more opportunities for many. So, we are ready to go and visit it. It will be good because the port Leu-diet is very crowded. Yom said.
Madam Yom added that the Fish Business has significantly empowered women in Jonglei through employment and other related economic activities, citing that most of them have improved their livelihoods.
The fish traders transport their fish all the way from Lakes State and Panjak in northern Jonglei and other islands to Leu-Diet Market in Bortown for sale. The salted fish business in Jonglei brings traders from Uganda and Congo, making it the most economic lifeline for the local communities in the state.
The fish is among the leading exports of South Sudan to its neighboring countries, such as Uganda, Kenya, and Congo, making it an important source of government revenues.