Over SSP 210,000 raised for Jonglei state road project
March 6, 2016 (BOR) – Over SSP 210,000 (about $10,000) was recently collected at a fund raising campaign organised in Bor by the Twic East county commissioner, Dau Akoi.
Majority of people, however, vowed to fulfill their pledges for the campaign by 7 March.
Dau, who addressed the gathering during fund raising campaign on Saturday, said the money would be used to complete the road linking the county to the state capital of Bor.
“Our priorities in Twic East are road and dyke this year. We have started the roadwork, and a half of it was completed. But to complete it to the border of Bor county, we need you to contribute for the remaining part”, said the commissioner.
“The state has no funds in its development treasury and so citizens must contribute to solve some problems they face,”, said Akoi.
“We must work to solve our problems. Road is the major issue that would help us in solving insecurity and other problems, once it is completed”, he added.
The South Sudan army (SPLA) commander heading Jonglei operation, general Malual Ayom, supported the road work with tractors, which the county had already put in use to clear and level the road from headquarters in panyagor to Maar village town in Twic East.
“From this contribution, we will be able to pay our workers, and fuel,” said Akoi.
Members of Jonglei traders union pledged two drums of fuel to facilitate Twic East roadwork. They said they would contribute when Duk and Bor counties organise a fund raising for road construction.
A similar fund raising campaign for Twic East was organised last month in Juba, where SSP 200, 000 was paid in cash and over SSP100, 000 in pledges soon to be utilised.
Duk County has already contributed some money for construction of road that connects its payams to panyagoor in Twic East, more money is needed before the work begins.
The governor of Jonglei state, Philip Aguer Panyang, appreciated the initiative of the state commissioners, saying the move reflects his slogan for work, unity and protection.
He said people should not expect free things from his government has he did as a relief worker for the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M) in the 1990s.
“I was a relief worker, giving free food to people. This time, I am going to ask you to pay something to do the road, security and to generate food, so let us support ourselves”, said Aguer.
21 RAIDERS KILLED IN DUK
The governor applauded the members and youth of Duk for the protection they showed in the last few weeks when the raiders attacked and raided cattle within their territory.
“You should not sit idle waiting for someone to come to protect you and your properties. Duk did excellent job. They defeated the raiders and killed 21 of them in an attempted raid”, said Aguer.
He encouraged youth to be organised to defend themselves, their villages and cattle from raiders and external attackers as government supports community policing.
(ST)