By Ijoo Bosco
The Caretaker Commissioner of Ikwoto County, Dominic Onyu Paul, has pledged to engage government authorities and development partners to address pressing infrastructure and basic service needs raised by residents of Kalabong Village in Lomuleny Boma.
The commitment followed a community engagement meeting held by the commissioner with residents of Kalabong, where community members highlighted three major development priorities: improved road connectivity, access to clean drinking water and the construction of a school.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Dominic said reliable roads, safe water and educational infrastructure remain essential services needed to improve the living conditions of local communities.
The commissioner recalled that during his previous tenure as Commissioner of the former Geria County under the 32-state administrative system, he facilitated the opening of a road connecting Kalabong to the county headquarters and supported the drilling of a borehole to provide residents with access to safe drinking water.
Building on these previous interventions, Dominic pledged to work with relevant government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to explore possibilities for constructing a new school in Kalabong.
He emphasised the importance of continued engagement with communities to identify their most urgent needs and mobilise support for local development initiatives.
Beyond infrastructure and service delivery, the commissioner also encouraged residents to participate in ongoing civic and political activities.
He called on community members to participate in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) membership registration exercise and prepare for the forthcoming national voter registration process ahead of the scheduled elections.
The meeting was attended by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) commander at the Ikwoto military base, alongside county officials and other local dignitaries.
Meanwhile, Dominic is expected to lead a high-level county delegation to neighbouring Lamwo District in Uganda on Monday for a bilateral meeting with his Ugandan counterpart, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC).
The planned meeting is expected to focus on strengthening cross-border security cooperation, promoting trade and enhancing peaceful coexistence between communities living along the South Sudan-Uganda border.
The engagement forms part of broader efforts by local authorities to strengthen community relations, address development challenges and promote cooperation with neighbouring administrative authorities.