UN supports construction of fish market in Jonglei state
June 15, 2016 (BOR) -The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) funded project, Quick Impact Project (QIP), which aimed to improve the fishery sector in Jonglei state, was launched in Bor after its completion on 15 June, 2016.
Speaking in Bor when the project was handed over to the community, the UNMISS head of field office, Debora Schein outlined the impact the project has achieved.
“I am pleased that this fish market is an UNMISS quick impact project aimed at improving the sanitary conditions of the market, and the hygienic conditions of handling, storing and selling fish which protects your health and that of the entire community”, said Schein.
She said the market was not only a place to buy food, but a place where people socialize, talk to each other and meet friends, which would promote peace among the people, as the function was attended by people living in town and displaced living in the POC in Bor.
“This location, the Bor main docking port is the main entry and exit point for greater Jonglei, and this market should become a hub of activity bringing together people of all ethnic backgrounds. Today, we have with us women and men from the UNMISS Bor protection site. It is my hope to see this as a normal occurrence, with all people moving about freely and safely. People, goods and services moving freely in the port is an affirmation that life is beginning to return to normal and that development and prosperity is coming to Bor. I look forward to seeing a thriving fish market as a symbol of peace and prosperity for the benefit of all of the Community ”, added Schein.
There is alsways high demand of fish in Bor as fish carry relatively cheaper prices.
“In line with our UNMISS mandate of creating the conditions to enable the protection of all civilians, of all communities, the fish market project was designed to assist you, the fishing communities; you, the women; and everyone that enjoys a good fish dinner”, stressed UN official.
James Jok Alier, the deputy director of Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) said the project would help the residents and fish dealers in several different ways.
“When we received the Quick Impact Project (QIP), we prioritised the fish market to be implemented.
“We are happy to both UNMISS and HDC, the implementing partner. They have safe our women from sun, from rains and from unhygienic environment, they will be able to sell their fish in a very conducive place”, said Alier.
Filbert Ahmat, the executive director of HDC, said the project aimed at improving and increasing both the quantity and quality of fish in Bor so that it is exported for cash.
With this project in place, Jonglei state has a better chance of feeding the entire population of South Sudan. We have brought this project so that the people of Bor can develop the fishery sector so that they are able to feed the people of South Sudan. It is not an emergency project, it is not a rehabilitation or recovery project, it is a development project. Now that we have developed the skills, you have to take over”, said Ahmat.
(ST)