Construction of drainage system commences in Bahr el Ghazal

November 11, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — Peter Kuot Jel Akoon, minister of physical infrastructure in the southern State of Northern Bahr el Ghazal on Thursday said impressed with the construction of the drainage system in Aweil town, capital of the state.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune from Aweil town, Akoon said Government will remain committed to constructing drainages in all the flood-affected areas to protect people from the negative challenges that might arise due to flooding.

He said floods have continued to pose a negative impact on development agenda by causing the outbreak of cholera and other waterborne diseases in the state.

He pointed out that the state government this year released 15 millions Sudanese pounds for the construction of drainages in Aweil town and special attention will also be given to the construction of drainages in other flood prone areas across the Northern Bahr el Ghazal.

“Last year, we conducted a series of joint assessments with international organizations and experts in Aweil and we saw how our people were badly affected by the floods that hit some parts of the state,” said Akoon.

“We went back and decided as government to deal with this problem by finding a lasting solution to the negative challenges it is posing on our communities and people,” he further said.

The minister said government has put in place a legal framework to enable it respond to disasters effectively by forming a ministerial committee, which is spearheading the implementation of programmes which will assist in addressing the challenges of floods in the state.

He said Government is working out other effective interventions which will help build capacity in the Disaster Management committee), which falls under his office.

“Government realizes that flooding is becoming a yearly occurrence. It is, therefore, necessary that we devise effective ways to fight floods and help protect our people from waterborne diseases,” he said.

(ST)