By John Actually

September 26, 2011 (BOR) - Jonglei state governor announced Monday his that 10 new schools will be built as part of a plan by the president of the newly independent Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, to mark the first 100 days of his new government.

Kuol Manyang Juuk announced the plans at the re-opening ceremony of the Jonglei state legislature in Bor which was attended by the state ministers, MPs and other civil servants. Juuk said the government is committed to eradicate illiteracy and educate its population at all levels.

The ten schools will include six primary schools and four secondary schools.

"Our primary and high schools’ enrollment have improved drastically as well as teacher-student ratio", said Juuk.

Juuk said "our support to Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology, the only institution of higher education in the state is exemplary as it is now offering various courses to over 300 adults who due to the war, could not continue their education to the university level".

He said plans to plans to renovate Makuach Teachers Training institute and establishing other vocational training centers throughout the state are underway to prepare "our next generations to become able citizens".

OUTSTANDING LEGISLATION

As he reopened parliament governor Juuk called upon the state legislature to quickly expedite deliberations on the outstanding bills on Land fees, Traditional Authority, Taxation, 2011 Appropriation and Transitional Constitution among others.

“Let me assure you that the August House has been very fast in the process of law making in our state and this time, our parliament will do the best they can do to make sure that the bills are passed to meet the expectations of our people”, Juuk said.

The state parliament was closed in June when MPs left for their constituencies to educate their people on the importance of plebiscite that led to the declaration of independent South Sudan in July 9.

“Four months have now passed since the recess of this August House [parliament] when you visited your constituencies to be with the people educating them on our development and government policies and practices”, said Juuk. “I hope you carried our respective duties effectively and diligently to bring about peace to our people”.

Governor Juuk pointed out youth unemployment, insecurity, poor physical infrastructure and limited services delivery as major challenges facing his government.

He said the state problems need collective intervention and commitment in addressing them.

The impact of insecurity has been painfully borne by every citizen of this state because of the proliferation of arms in the hands of civil populations according to governor Juuk.

He said the massive displacement of communities from rural to urban areas had caused inadequate service delivery and idleness in urban centers.

Cattle raiding is a regular occurrence in Jonglei, which is also home to rebel groups fighting the government.

(ST)