By Lodu William Odiya
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has yesterday directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management to intervene immediately to help the flood affected population in GPAA.
Recent reports indicated that almost the whole of Greater Pibor Administrative Area has been affected by flooding.
In respond the head of state directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and disaster management to coordinate emergency relief efforts for affected communities.
According to the presidential press unit, this remark came in respond to the comprehensive briefing on humanitarian emergency in the area.
“President Salva Kiir Mayardit received a comprehensive briefing on the humanitarian emergency and infrastructure needs in Greater Pibor Administrative Area from the Area Chief Administrator, Gola Boyoi Gola. In response, President Kiir directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs to intervene immediately and coordinate emergency relief efforts for affected communities in GPAA” the statement partly read.
The statement underlined that President Kiir acknowledged the importance of infrastructure in sustaining service delivery and pledged his administration’s efforts towards rehabilitating the road network in the area.
It also underscored Gola reported to the President that they are working diligently to engage local youths in upholding peace and stability within the community and with surrounding communities.
Furthermore, it stressed that he highlighted the need for continued dialogue to reduce intercommunal tensions and promote peaceful coexistence.
The statement also stated the Chief Administrator also noted that thousands of families had been displaced by widespread flooding in the area, calling for urgent humanitarian intervention.
According to the statement, Gola additionally raised concerns about the condition of road infrastructure, specifically the closure of the Juba–Pibor road.
Moreover, the statement noted Gola emphasized that this had severely impacted the delivery of essential goods and services, exacerbating the already fragile living conditions in the region.
Flooding in GPAA is long been more than just an inconvenience, it had displaced thousands of residents, damaged infrastructure and cut off roads, leaving communities unable to reach markets, receive humanitarian aid, or meet for peacebuilding initiatives.