Kajokeji County Citizens Mobilize Funds for Road Development
Kajokeji citizens have voluntarily mobilized 320,000 South Sudan Pounds to be used in fixing two Irish crossings on Jamus and Limu rivers along the Juba-Kajokeji road. 25 March 2013 By Waakhe Simon Wudu JUBA, 25 March 2013 [Gurtong] - On Saturday during the official launch of the fundraising in Juba, the Voluntary Service Committee (VOSCO) formed in December last year mobilized 120,000 SSP an equivalent of $30,000 US Dollars. VOSCO Chairperson Alex Liki said following the formation of the organization, 200,000 SSP was already mobilized and the fixing of the two Irish crossings may need an estimated 2.5 million SSP. During a colorful function that started with a charitable walk led by Bishop Eng. Enock Tombe of the Episcopal Church Of Sudan (ECS) Diocese of Rajaf, accompanied by tens of bodaboda boys, religious and government officials. The contributions included 51,909 SSP as cash and 68,470 SSP in pledges. The procession was also joined by government officials, businessmen, youth, women and well wishers who also during the fundraising function many pledged for bags of cement. South Sudanese President through his Advisor on legal affairs Hon. Teller Ring Deng donated 20,000 SSP. Deng also pledged 5,000 SSP and South Sudanese Minister of National Security pledged an offer of 20,000SSP as personal contribution. Other pledges were from other senior government officials of Kajokeji; Hon. Agrey Tisa, Steven Wondu and Prof. Dima. Speaking on behalf of the President, Hon. Tellar Ring eulogized the move taken by the Kajokeji Community to voluntarily initiate such developmental move as the government is facing hard austerity measures. Terming it as “noble constitutional responsibility” citizens should play in nation building, Teller had urged the other communities in South Sudan to portray similar participation in a move to supplement government efforts towards the nation building. “It clearly shows how seriously the people of Kajokeji take the responsibility that citizens are to play. And you have shown today that you are citizens of this country, are so committed to supplement what the government is doing,” Tellar said. “Because in our situation this road is supposed to be done by the government but we have realized with the austerity measures we have come with a people initiative not to do the whole road but actually to supplement and show to the government that you can do something and you are asking the government to do more. That is important. Please this government can not fight this struggle without its citizens,” Tellar added. The fundraising event came after efforts made by VOSCO based on challenges raised by citizens of Kajokeji and travelers along the road. VOSCO was then tasked to mobilize for resources for fixing Irish crossings on the two streams. Alex Liki, the VOSCO Chairperson pointed out that, the objective of the VOSCO is to mobilize funds and materials for construction of the Irish crossings before the end of April, a move aimed to lessen loss of lives and property, adding that it is a short term initiative and the people of Kajokeji still look forward for long term and lasting solutions for proper grading of the road and construction of all the bridges. Road connectivity has since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 remained one of the biggest challenges affecting Kajokeji County. In January this year two custom police lost their lives on river Jamus after it got filled up as a result of rain and suddenly washed away the custom police car heading from Kajokeji to Juba delivering revenue collections. Last year a number of vehicles were carried along the two streams including loss of lives. It is actually feared that, if the two streams; the Irish crossings are not fixed as before rains intensify, Kajokeji will be cut off from access to Juba. Eng. Barnaba Dumo, the key note speaker during the function said the challenges of road accessibility facing Kajokeji have compromised development in the county greatly. He said Kajokejo has vast agricultural and animal resources, oil, and mineral resources for direct trade and industrial development. However, the challenge of the road has barred investors and access of the resources. Peter Atem, an activist from Jonglei State who was present during the event commended the attendance of the function and underlined that it demonstrated unity and solidarity. He pledged 50 bags of cement as contribution. Other members of Eastern Equatoria State in the National Assembly also attended the function in a solidarity support. Posted in: Home, Governance, Travel -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
