Jonglei launches fundraising for hospital

By Philip Thon Aleu

October 15, 2009 (BOR) – A proposal tabled here today by state authorities to raise funds for fencing of Bor Civil Hospital win a marvelous support in a public rally.

A minimum amount of 5 Sudanese Pounds (SDG) will be paid by a government casual worker as constitutional post holders contribute 500 SDG each. State ministry of finance is empowered to deduct the agreed amount prior to payment of this month salaries. Public and private institutions, business community, organized forces and companies are also entitled to varying contributions.

If it all goes as planned at least 50,000 SDG could be raised. Though the cost of materials is high from this figure but health authorities say “it is good to begin.”

Making the announcement in front of Governor’s office on Thursday, Deputy Gov. Hussein Mar Nyuot says the decision was reached by state government after weighing vulnerability of local people to health hazards and length of time taken expecting government funding.

Backing the plan, Gov. Kuol Manyang Juuk called on patriotic citizens to offer “like those who gave their lives fighting” decades of oppression in Sudan.

Conditions at Bor Civil Hospital became of concern to the state government soon after Medicines San Fortiers (MSF), or doctors without borders, pulled out last year. The public claim medical services deteriorated thereafter. When the MSF left, the hospital faced lack of doctors and the state rushed to build residents for health officers around the hospital to improve working conditions. But medication to patients never equates to building doctors’ houses either.

‘GOOD BEGINNING’

With a ready made flawing-fence surrounding the state referral health center, non-resistant to intruders including mentally ill persons and even beasts, security in the hospital is not guaranteed. On Wednesday, state top executive including the governor toured the hospital making Thursday announcement to generate money through public predictable.

The fundraising proposal announced by Deputy Gov. Mar regroups employees into ‘a pay-as-you-earn’ but has to undergo other changes in that a frog jumps according to its capacity.

Patients treated in unbearable environment are likely to be psychologically disturbed, Mr. Mar said to lobby for support of the proposed fundraising. With applause from cheering thousands of people attending the gathering, the government’s call to build a fence was supported. After the confirmation, Gov. Kuol Manyang pledged 1,500 SDG retainable by state ministry from this month salary. SPLA Commander of Division 8, Major General Peter Bol Koang, promised to pay 1,005 SDG. State ministers unanimously rose to 500 SDG from 200 SDG. Communication Companies like MTN, Zain, Gemtel, Vivacell and Sudani pay 200 SDG each. Head of organized forces, higher institutions of learning and hotels agreed to contribute 100 SDG each. Director Generals, churches, restaurants and petrol stations among others stand in solidarity to pay 50 SDG each. A private school pledged to pay 20 SDG. All shops’ owners will pay 10 SDG. Casual workers in all government institutions trail with 5 SDG.

A team to be led by state Secretariat General Prof. Arop Leek is entrusted to supervise the fundraising. The amount to be raised is unpredictable. But analysts suggest that 50,000 SDG (about US $21,000) could be raised based on the work force. It has not been established whether the amount will be substantial.

Agot Alier Leek, the state minister of health, told the Sudan Tribune that “if that amount (50,000 SDG) is collected, it’s a good beginning.” Mr. Alier estimated the cost of fencing – defending on the type of materials, between 80,000 – 100,000 SDG.

Gov. Kuol says: “We liberated ourselves from oppression and undemocratic rules from Khartoum. So, let us liberate ourselves from poverty, ignorance and diseases,” he stressed in reference to self reliance.

“Contribute that little money which I think is less than offering your live for the liberation of this land. Be committed like those who gave their lives fighting oppression.”

On security, Gov. Kuol says the tension is easing between Mundari and Bor but a Wednesday attack on state ministers’ convoy unset the math. Nobody was hurt in the attack the military blame on Mundari youths. The army guiding civilians vehicles on Juba – Bor road fouled when they thought ambush has ceased. Gov. Kuol says he will work together with his Central Equatoria counterpart Clement Wani Konga to established police posts in tense areas.

(ST)