S. Sudan’s Kiir approves creation of 11 counties in Lol state

April 19, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir has approved the creation of 11 counties in Lol state, breaking down its three counties into several administrative units and upgrading the status of some payams to the level of a county.

Kiir, in a new order, broke up Aweil north county into four counties and Aweil West into another four and Raja into three. The counties forming Aweil West include Gomjuer West with its administrative headquarters at Nyamellel, Gomjuer East at Wedwil, Marialbai at Marialbai, Majakbai at Majakbai.

Aweil North comprises of Malual North with administrative headquarters at Gok Machar, Malual Centre at Maper Dut Wieu, Korok East at Maper Dut Thou and Korok West at Jach.

The presidential order also divided Raja into Kuru with its administrative headquarter at Uyu-kuku, Ringi with the administrative headquarter at Bor and Ere at Ere.

Lol state Governor Rizik Hassan Zachariah, members of his cabinet and the county commissioners have welcomed the decision, describing it a wise decision taken in line with South Sudan’s ruling party (SPLM) vision of taking towns closer to the people.

In October last year, the South Sudanese leader dissolved the nation’s 10 regional states and created 28 new ones, in a move which was the armed opposition faction said undermine a peace deal to end over the two-years of civil war in the young nation.

Meanwhile President Kiir has already appointed governors for all the 28 new states.

(ST)