By Sabri Dibaco
Residents of Juba are calling on the government to put in place early preparedness measures by constructing drainage following the floodwater caused by heavy rainfall in Juba.
On Wednesday, several parts of the city experienced waterlogging after hours of downpour, leaving roads impassable and disrupting movement.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, a resident of 107, Rebecca Mabor called on the government to construct drainage system so that water can flow to avoid the phenomenon.
“Children and homes were affected badly, our community chiefs tried by enforcing all houses to build and dig a drainage in our resident, but it’s not enough to stop the water that flows from that side of mountain, so I am calling on the government to do something before we continue to experience the same problem as the rain season is back” Rebeca Mabior said
She said that every year, this happens in their area without the government authorities taking it in to consideration leaving the civilians to suffer.
“We are suffering every year when the rains come,” said Rebbeca Mabior. “The drainage system is poor, and when it rains heavily like this, water enters our houses. The government should act before the situation gets worse more than this.”
Meanwhile, Eliza Isaiah called on the community leaders to engage the communities in different residential areas to be prepared during this rainy season.
“I call on the communities’ leaders to encourage residents to embark on either contributing some money to prepare early so we can open a good drainage system at our capacity to help reduce the flood in areas that we experience yearly” Eliza Isaiah stated.
She added that the rain has both advantage and disadvantage on citizens with the current economic situation.
Eliza underscored that the rain helps families to gather some waters for domestic uses since water is very expensive in the city.
However, she noted that the rain also causes damage to families more especially people living in the areas like Hai Referendum, Newsite, Joppa and seven eleven.
“As long as the rain has disadvantages, it also has advantages on our families, with the current economic hardship when family’s stores water from rain it helps us a lot and that’s the advantage. Water is difficult for families” Eliza Isaiah said.
Another resident from Gudele Muraba Sabah echoed concerns that stagnant water poses health risks.
“Floodwater brings diseases like malaria and cholera. Authorities should clear drainage channels before the rains intensify,” Suzyta Randi said.
She called on the government to assist people by opening roads in the residential areas and constructed good drainage system because many properties had been lost.
“We have two children lost in yesterday rain, who were taken by the rain up to now so if this continues it will be very difficult for us”
On his part, Emmanuel Rondon a Boda-boda rider also reported that there were difficulties in navigating flooded roads, leading to delays and increased transport costs.
“Some commuters were forced to walk long distances after vehicles failed to pass through submerged sections” he said.
As the rainy season approaches, residents are urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent further damage, warning that failure to prepare could lead to more severe flooding in the coming months.