Jonglei: government, UN to construct flood-control dykes

August 24, 2013 (BOR) – The government of Jonglei state in collaboration with the United Nations on Saturday pledged to control floods through construction of dykes in the capital, Bor.

Hussein Maar Nyout, who visited areas affected by floods, assured citizens of government’s commitment to control the catastrophe.

Nyout, in the company of some state ministers, the town mayor and the Korean army commander, assessed the flooded areas and agreed on where the dikes would be built.

“I came today with UN officials for your help. We had [to] listen to your complaints. We want to address the issue of water and that is why we are here with UN engineering units,” said the acting governor, while addressing those affected by floods in Panliet, located just next to Bor town center.

He instructed the Bor county commissioner to re-locate 78 families in Panliet to a new and safer place, but warned people not to exaggerate numbers of flood victims.

“When you are told to write the 78 families, you go and exaggerate this to 200 or 300. Tomorrow only seven might get the land,” he said.

“All of you will lose,” added Nyout.

Achengdiir, Panliet and Thon-buor were the areas, most affected by flooding, with locals attributing it to water blockage on only one

It remains unclear when work on the dyke will commence.

(ST)