Warrap parliament goes on an emergency break

October 13, 2013 (JUBA)- Members of parliament from South Sudan’s Warrap state have suspended regular sittings until 21 October, despite an enormous need to enact “important laws”, legislators said.

The state is among the worst affected areas following severe floods across the country.

In a statement issued after Wednesday’s session during which the house agreed to adjourn regular sittings, parliamentary speaker Madot Dut Deng said the decision was taken to allow members to return to their constituencies to assess flood damage and identify priority areas requiring the immediate attention of the government.

“The parliament has decided to break until October 21, said speaker Deng in a statement, copy of which was extended to Sudan Tribune by his office on Sunday.

“It is the constitutional right of our citizens to be assisted by their representatives where they need their support”, Deng said in the statement, a copy of which was extended to Sudan Tribune.

At least 21 people have been confirmed dead Gogrial West and Tonj South counties, where more than 40,000 people have been forced to leave their homes.

Millions of acres of farm land has been destroyed, while an unknown number of houses have also collapsed over the past few days. Health units and school facilities have been closed or disrupted since July.

(ST)