By Alan Clement
The government of Central Equatoria State has embarked on a land demarcation exercise in Kapuri’s Hai Salam 4th Class residential area, aiming to restore order and guide development in line with Juba’s expanding urban plan.
The initiative seeks not only to resolve long-standing ownership disputes but also to ensure the area accommodates essential public services and infrastructure for the city’s growing population.
Speaking during a land showing exercise on site on Tuesday, Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony said the state government had stepped in to ensure that rightful landowners are identified and that the demarcation process proceeds without conflict.
“I came here because Minister Morbe wrote to me that he’ll be showing this land to their rightful owners. And the Commissioner also informed me about the same land,” Adil said adding, “Because there were some difficulties and chaos in it since 2011, I said I will personally come by myself.”
The governor said the exercise is meant to clarify ownership in the residential area and resolve disputes that have persisted for more than a decade.
“We’re now going to start work. I know that this place was demarcated, and I know that there are people with proper papers on the city map,” he stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to restoring order and ensuring rightful owners are recognized.
Adil explained that authorities have identified different categories of occupants in the area, including those who hold legitimate documents, individuals who erected structures when the land appeared vacant, and others who moved onto plots through forceful means.
“There are people who put some structures here because the place was empty and there were those who came through other means,” he said.
The governor urged legitimate landowners to visibly secure and mark their plots as a safeguard against future disputes stressing that clear identification of ownership is critical in preventing opportunistic claims and maintaining order in Kapuri’s residential area.
“I know that there’s hardship in the country but at least put a structure or even a sack so that people will know this is your place,” he said, warning that empty plots often attract new claimants.
At the same time, Adil cautioned residents against confrontations over land ownership, insisting that disputes must be resolved through official procedures rather than violence or intimidation. He reminded squatters and claimants that grievances should be channelled through the Ministry of Lands, not through personal attacks or forceful takeovers.
“To the squatters, if you have complaints, please follow the right procedures the minister outlined, but do not come and slap someone claiming this is my place. We will not allow this,” he said.
Governor Adil emphasized that any attempt to seize land by force would be met with arrests and prosecution, underscoring the government’s determination to uphold law and order in Kapuri.
Adil warned that the government would not tolerate forceful land claims, stressing that any attempt to seize plots through intimidation or group confrontations would be met with firm legal consequences. “If you come in groups trying to claim land forcefully, we will arrest you and the law will take its course,” he added.
The governor also cautioned that the ongoing demarcation exercise could affect existing structures, particularly where road reserves and public spaces must be opened in line with the city plan stressing that urban development cannot be compromised by individual claims.
“While opening the roads, some houses may be affected and we cannot reduce the size of the road because of your place so we have to understand each other,” he said, underscoring the need for cooperation to ensure proper infrastructure and orderly growth in Kapuri.
Adil noted that the government intends to ensure the residential area is developed in line with urban planning standards, including provisions for essential public services. “If you see our city plan, we have schools, fields, police and health facilities,” he said.
“We need this place to be better with schools, football fields and offices. If the government wants to build a health facility here, where shall we put it if all the land is already occupied?” he asked.
The state Minister of Lands, Housing and Public Utilities, Morbe David Aquilino, said the purpose of the exercise was to ensure rightful plot owners are identified and shown their land without disputes. “Today we have not come to talk, but to show land to their rightful owners,” Morbe said.
He explained that the exercise was meant to be conducted by local authorities but required intervention from higher levels of government due to challenges encountered during the process. “This exercise should have been done by the Payam director, but because of some difficulties the governor became concerned, and that is why he is here today,” he said.
Morbe emphasized that the governor’s presence was intended to guarantee order and calm throughout the demarcation exercise, underscoring the importance of conducting the process without confrontation.
“To everyone here, the governor is here to ensure that we demarcate the land without any chaos,” he said, stressing that the government is determined to resolve disputes peacefully and uphold transparency in land allocation.
The minister also called for urgent reforms in the state’s land administration system, stressing the need for clarity and accountability in managing allocations.
“My message is clear: the Ministry of Lands needs to have a proper system, and any work under the Ministry of Housing in Central Equatoria State is its sole responsibility,” Morbe said, underscoring that only a transparent and well‑structured framework can prevent disputes and ensure orderly development.
He further acknowledged the vital role of traditional authorities in making land available for settlement in the area, noting that their cooperation has been instrumental in easing community tensions and supporting the government’s efforts.
“We thank the authorities of Rombur for giving land to the government to support the people of Khartoum during the time of former governor Clement Wani Konga,” he said, referring to earlier efforts to allocate land to residents.
By recognizing the contribution of chiefs and elders, Morbe underscored the importance of blending customary leadership with formal administration to ensure that land allocation proceeds smoothly and reflects both tradition and modern planning needs.
Morbe emphasized that while land demarcation is necessary to accommodate growing demand for housing in Juba, the process must be conducted peacefully. “We need to demarcate land, but the exercise should be free without any conflicts,” he said.
Land ownership and allocation disputes remain among the most persistent challenges in Juba as the city continues to expand following years of population growth and urban migration.
The Minister noted that establishing a clear and transparent system for land management is essential to prevent conflicts and ensure orderly development in the capital.