Development progresses in W. Equatoria despite insecurity – governor

By Richard Ruati

January 14, 2009 (YAMBIO) — Despite the resurgence of insecurity caused by LRA and other threats that have engulfed Western Equatoria State, development progress is on track on the main fronts of post CPA construction and reconstruction in the State,” the Western Equatoria state Governor Jemma Nunu Kumba said yesterday.

“The Comprehensive Peace Agreement, North-South is on track,” she noted.

During this year’s fourth anniversary, the governor delivered a memorabilia speech to her citizens who had gathered in their hundreds to listen to the female governor whom they refer to as the mama Jemma (the mother of the state).

In the speech she said that, after the peace agreement “today we have successful local business entrepreneurs from WES. We have freedom of movement, China, Dubai even Europe, and I am very proud of this. The CPA belongs to all of us including other political parties to support and protect the CPA.”

Kumba added that, “So we have also been able to rehabilitate some of our trunk and feeder roads in some counties for easy communication and food security.”

The governor said maintenance of the trunk road from Mundri to Tombura is progressing well including the establishments of communication network to connect all parts of the state as well as the construction of electricity power station in Yambio town which will be operational this year.

The electrification of Maridi town will also start soon including the rehabilitation of Maridi dam and its water treatment plant, Kumba said.
She also expected that state FM Radio and TV to be operational soon.

The governor announced that, the state has received sixty trucks for the construction of the road from Diabio to Tambura via Mupoi payam. The phase two of the Yambio-Tambura road, which CIVICOM is constructing Yambio to Diabio.

The Governor dismissed gossips and rumors being spread around by National Congress conspirators in Yambio as saying that, “the trucks have been donated by President Bashir.

She clarified that, “Eya CO. is a Khartoum based company which emerged as a successful bidder during the bidding process of USAID which is funding the roads construction.

She warned them to be enemies of CPA and peace in WES.

Consequently she said, “despite all the challenges, let WES people all join hands together to make the year 2009, a year more progress and development, stability, food security for each family.

Kumba lamented that, the current security will not stop us from carrying on with our plans, development programs, [we] are determined, we will go on with our program regardless of whatever challenge.

Unfortunately, violence and horrible attacks in the region has increased. In WES, it is due to the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a group led by a charismatic leader that originated in Uganda and has been carrying out attacks in a wider area of WES border with DRC and CAR. The LRA has inhibited food production.

The Governor urged that, “the LRA has relocated their war to Southern Sudan and have declared war against the people of WES. The Government of Southern Sudan and the State are determined to guard its citizens and bring to an end these barbaric atrocities.”

Jemma called upon all the citizens specially the youths of the state to be vigilant and organize themselves for self and community defense, to defend themselves with any local weapons at their exposure (such as arrows and bows) in addition to GOSS and state government efforts to combat these barbaric activities.

Historically, she reminded the youths, of great King Gbudue who fought and defeated the Arabs and even the British with the same weapons.

(ST)