By James innocent
Yei River County authorities, accompanied by officials from United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) and the Commission for Refugees Affairs (CRA), inspected Alero Returnees Reception Center.
The visit aimed to assess the centre’s facilities and engage with local community leaders to relocate approximately 30 Sudanese refugee households, comprising 93 individuals, to Alero Sub-Boma, about seven miles from Yei town.
Sub-Chief of Alero, Naphtali Juma, welcomed the officials and appreciated their efforts to consult with community leaders before relocating refugees to the area.
Rev. Simon Lasuba, a local intellectual, stated that the community has accepted the refugees, but space allocation will be determined after further discussion and presentation of community demands.
Rev. Lasuba emphasized the need to establish a coordinating committee to facilitate collaboration between the Government of Yei River County and UNCHR.
Assistant Commissioner for Refugees Affairs, Julius Taban Philip, commended the Alero community leaders for their willingness to receive Sudanese refugees.
The Commissioner of Yei River County noted that while the facility’s infrastructure is in good condition, minor rehabilitation is required.
He believes that hosting refugees will attract developmental projects benefiting both refugees and locals in Alero.
Established in 1985, the Alero Returnees Reception Center has played a crucial role in supporting refugees in the county.