By Lodu William Odiya
Authorities in Melut County have said they would establish a committee that would investigate the reason behind the delay in the three per cent share allocated to its community.
This followed a consultative meeting between the commissioner and traditional authorities in Paloch Payam to discuss key challenges affecting communities and identify development priorities for the coming period.
According to the county’s press unit, Commissioner Adv. Chok Zain Arop, together with traditional leaders and local authorities, deliberated on concerns including education, healthcare, roads, electricity, food security, and the delayed implementation of the three per cent community share.
On education, traditional authorities raised concerns over limited learning opportunities and inadequate support for pupils and students at primary and secondary school levels.
“The meeting featured detailed discussions in which traditional leaders presented major concerns affecting their communities, while the Commissioner and local authorities explored possible solutions, particularly in the areas of education, health services, roads, electricity, food security, and the implementation of the three per cent (3%) community share,” the statement partly read.
Commissioner Chok proposed that available educational support should also be directed toward primary and secondary schools within Melut County rather than focusing largely on university scholarships.
He said strengthening basic education would help improve learning opportunities and provide a stronger foundation for students in the county.
The meeting also discussed challenges facing health services following the absence of some doctors previously provided by DPOC to support medical services in the area.
According to the meeting, the doctors are expected to resume their duties, a move that could help restore normal healthcare services for communities in Paloch and surrounding areas.
The poor condition of the Paloch-Pamondit road was also identified as a major challenge. Traditional leaders called for the road to be prioritised for construction and rehabilitation to improve transportation and movement of people and goods within the county.
The meeting further discussed the need for reliable electricity in Paloch to support households, businesses, and essential services.
It was reported that Canon is ready to commence implementation of the new Paloch electricity project and fulfill its commitments as soon as possible.
Food security was another major concern raised by traditional authorities. Leaders expressed fears that inadequate rainfall during the current agricultural season could negatively affect food production and increase the risk of food shortages among local communities.
In response, the county administration said it would engage the Community Development Manager at DPOC to facilitate the necessary procedures for securing food assistance for communities that may be affected.
The implementation and disbursement of the three per cent community share also featured prominently during the meeting, with traditional authorities expressing concern over delays.
Commissioner Chok said he would establish a committee of five or seven representatives from the traditional authorities to investigate the reasons for the delay, follow up with relevant authorities, and prepare a report with recommendations on how to move the process forward.
The Commissioner stressed that addressing the challenges facing Melut requires cooperation among the county government, traditional authorities, local communities, companies, and humanitarian organisations operating in the area.
He said stronger coordination would be important in improving basic services, promoting stability, and advancing development across Melut County.