By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Authorities in Central Equatoria State have identified inadequate drainage as a primary cause of flooding in Juba City, leading to damage to roads and residential buildings.
During an inspection of affected areas, officials noted that improper disposal of plastic bottles, polythene bags, and solid waste by residents and hotel owners has contributed to the blockage of drainage systems, worsening water flow onto the streets.
Central Equatoria State Deputy Governor Paulino Lokudu Obede, who also leads the State’s Flood Mitigation Committee, addressed the media following a visit to flooded areas in Juba Block.
He assured the public that Juba International Airport remains safe for both local and international flights, despite concerns about potential flood damage in surrounding areas.
However, the Deputy Governor acknowledged that much of the water flowing from the hills of Jebel Kujur and other residential neighborhoods has blocked culverts and water runways, particularly in the Munuki residential area, leading to further flooding issues.
“The airport is safe, however, now we want to ensure that we open or create more water pathways so that water easily flows into the streams and finds its way into the River Nile,” said Lokudu.
He further added that the state authorities are considering changing the worn-out culverts with bridges to minimize damage to road networks.
Meanwhile, South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, Airport Officer Santino Payoul Koul, stated that the level of the flood has reduced compared to the last three months.
He added that due to improper drainage systems in the city, Juba International Airport has been experiencing serious cases of flooding affecting majorly, the runways at the airport.
Kuol said most of the rainy water from Munuki, Jebel, and other residential areas ends up at the airport.
He also said that currently, the airport authorities are working with other companies to open more drainage systems so that water can flow normally into the Nile without affecting the communities around the airport.
“In July, August, and September, heavy flooding cut off the runways at the airport, there have been complaints from the residents around the airport accusing us-Airport authorities of opening water channels into their residents but we are mindful of them and all the opened waterways lead directly into the River,” said Payuol.
For his part,Deputy Mayor for Infrastructure and Environment, Juba City Council, His Worship, Juma Moses Michael noted that apart from Juba International Airport being affected by floods, some of the areas affected include Jada Bridge and areas around Crown Hotel destroying four houses in the process.
“The poor drainage system has resulted in flooding not only at the Airport but also in areas like Juab Na Bair, Gudele, etc we had challenges with garbage trucks before but now have received the trucks and we need to transform Juba into a modern city” stated Juma.
Yamaha Margret, United Nations Office of the Humanitarian Assistance Program Officer stated that Juba International Airport is a critical logistical hub for many local organizations and international agencies for delivering essential humanitarian assistance such as medical equipment.
Magret stated that any damage caused by flood to the airport will have significant impact on the lives of the local communities across the states resulting into emergencies.
She appreciated the airport authorities on their current plans of opening more drainage channels in and out of the airport to avoid water flooding the runways within the airport.