UNDP boosts community security in Lakes state
June 21, 2012 (JUBA) – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has initiated a program that seeks to improve community security in South Sudan’s Lakes state.
The initiative, under the South Sudan Community Security and Arms Control (CSAC) project, is being implemented in Lakes state payams [districts].
The project, undertaken by UNDP, involves provision of technical and financial support to government to improve police posts, with the aim of improving security in the region.
A total of seven police posts and one police station, in Cuiebet, Rumbek Central, Rumbek East, Rumbek North, Yirol West, Yirol East, Wulu, and Awerial counties counties, have benefited from this project.
While speaking at an occasion on Thursday, Lakes state minister for local government underscored the importance of community security to the development of South Sudan.
“In the whole of South Sudan, security has become a dominant issue. Without security, there will be no development – so we want this programme to continue”, said Abraham Makoi Bol.
“We now want to boost the morale of UNDP to continue supporting us”, he added.
Surendra Sharma, UNDP technical advisor to the ministry of interior, said the projects that were being handed over are a “critical mass of conflict-sensitive infrastructure that will leave a lasting impact on security in Lakes state.”
He, however, urged the government of Lakes state to ensure that the facilities are regularly maintained, and police officers well trained and deployed, in order to achieve the desired impact on community peace and security.
The conflict-sensitive infrastructure projects, Sharma stressed, were a result of community consultations that were facilitated by the UNDP-CSAC project that enabled communities identify projects that could help address their security concerns.
The project, with financial support from the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID), has reportedly responded to the findings of the consultations by supporting Lakes government establish facilities people request for.
“We congratulate communities and the local authorities for this significant achievement, and recognise the excellent work of UNDP in facilitating this process”, said Kate Bradlow, an official from DFID.
She however warned that UNDP-CSAC activities alone cannot address all the challenges that communities in Lakes state face.
“Strengthening the relationship between the government and the community to address insecurity is an essential foundation for development,” Bradlow said.
Meanwhile, each of the police posts have been equipped with solar power, separate custody cells for both women and men, and modern communication gadgets that will enable the police to respond to emergencies.
An estimated 6,000 people have been earmarked to benefit from 12 boreholes built in Lakes state, with support the UNDP-CSAC project.
(ST).