Jonglei asks UN agencies to join fight against flood

By Philip Thon Aleu

November 14, 2008 (BOR TOWN) – Facing challenges of increasing water level in the State capital, Jonglei government asks United Nations agencies “to join-up” for common goals, state minister of information and communication says Thursday.

Speaking to Sudan tribune at his office in Bor and hours before a meeting scheduled with UN agencies, Taban Jouch describe the flood as a calamity that has sent hundred homeless. “This is a disaster. It has dislodged many people from their residential areas,” the minister stressed.

The flood followed river Nile overflow Sunday night that submerged the most populated town suburbs in Bor Town. Pan de Machuor, Pan-jak and Lek-yak have been critically hit. By Thursday, two lodges — Safari and part of Liberty — and the main park are taken up by water. Many households in Pan-jak have been evacuated.

The level kept increasing in the last three days; downing many huts and clearing hand-made dykes off it route. Analysts say the level could decrease shortly; dismising claims that more people will be displaced. The latest flood in Jonglei capital took many residents and government by surprise.

Jouch observed that most Counties in Jonglei state encountered untold floods this year. This, he said, directly affects food production, humans and cattle diseases. A relief from UN agencies will be significant, he argued.

Asked whether the government still embarks on building dykes as planned earlier, Jouch have a different approach. “There may be a blockage in the river Nile and building a dyke here means diverting water to another area,” he said. Jouch cites a dyke built in Twic East County as a possible cause of Bor Town flood “because water can not flow easily as usual.”

Cripple by limited resources, Jonglei government’s strength to combat flood or assisting affected persons remains futile thus; a need for many hands and heads. “This is not an issue for governor alone, it needs everyone assistance to get a solution to it (flood),” Taban said. But calling a helpful friend has no substitute. “We have contacted the UN agencies and we need to join-up our effort with them,” the minister revealed.

The minister prefers opening the blockage in the River Nile or on the dyke built in Twic East County to avoid more floods.

(ST)