By Kei Emmanuel Duku
The Commissioner of Morobo County has issued a stern warning to humanitarian agencies over a string of unfinished development projects, declaring that dormant performance is failing the people of Morobo. In a pointed critique of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), the county leadership warned that critical infrastructure, including a much-needed detention center, is at risk of total collapse due to sluggish implementation.
Commissioner Charles Data Bullen raised the alarm following a recent inspection of the detention center construction site near the county headquarters. Despite a launch date in May and a clear agreement to hand over the facility by September, the Commissioner discovered the project has not even reached the midway stage.
The detention center, funded by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and implemented by the INGO MASS, is the latest in a series of projects that have failed to meet their deadlines. Speaking during the official closure of the UNMISS Yei Field Office, Data expressed deep frustration with the implementing partner’s track record.
“Such slow and dormant performance in implementing agreed projects is unacceptable,” Commissioner Data stated. “We are witnessing the possible collapse of the detention center project, which follows previous unfinished initiatives, including shelters intended for persons with disabilities that were never successfully executed by the same partner.”
The Commissioner noted that while the county remains grateful for the support of international funders, the lack of results on the ground is paralyzing local development and service delivery.
Despite the friction with implementing partners, the county leadership remains optimistic about the future of infrastructure in the region, particularly the Kendila Bridge. The Commissioner cited improved security conditions following the deployment of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) as a reason for partners to resume their work.
“We appreciate the patience and commitment shown by UNMISS in supporting Morobo County,” Data remarked. “However, it is imperative that all implementing partners honor their commitments to ensure the timely delivery of projects that our people desperately need.”
In response to the concerns, the Head of the UNMISS Yei Field Office, Mr. James Mugo, indicated that the mission is continuing to assess the situation on the ground. He confirmed that high-level discussions are currently ongoing regarding the possible resumption of the Kendila Bridge construction.
The dispute over project timelines in Morobo County centers on the Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) framework, where UNMISS provides funding for short-term, high-impact infrastructure intended to be completed within six months.
The detention center in Morobo was a key priority for the county to strengthen the local justice system and improve human rights standards for detainees.
Historically, Morobo County has faced significant infrastructure gaps due to years of conflict and insecurity. While the recent deployment of the SSPDF has stabilized the area, the transition from emergency aid to sustainable development remains hindered by the inability of some partners to meet contractual obligations, leading to a backlog of “dormant” projects that leave the community without essential services.