By Hou Akot Hou
Ministry of Roads, Bridges, and Transport in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State has issued an ultimatum for people to vacate public sites, including roads, railway areas, airstrips, and government buildings where people sought refuge during last year’s flooding.
The directive comes as many individuals have not returned to their homes, which were submerged by floods that destroyed hundreds of houses in the state.
Lazarus Garang Thiep, the Director General of the Ministry, announced the order on Wednesday, stating that it is time for people to return to their homes.
“People have shown no signs of moving back to their homes. We initially allowed them to stay along the highways, railways, airstrips, and public buildings because they were homeless. Now, it is time for them to go and rebuild their structures,” he said.
Garang warned, “some individuals are even living on the Maduany airstrip, which is where flights land and take off. In case of an emergency, it could be disastrous; who will they blame?”
He emphasized that the time has come for residents to reconstruct their homes, noting the hospitality extended to them due to the dire effects of the flooding, which were evident to all.
He also pointed out that some have occupied government buildings, which could be used for administrative purposes, without considering that the dry season has arrived. The announcement received mixed reactions.
One official, who requested to be identified only as Diing, disputed the claims, arguing that these occupants assist in maintaining public areas, such as roads and railways.
“These people help clean the town’s sites, including the main roads and railway. What purpose do they serve in these sites from which the government wants to evict them?” he questioned.
Diing, who works for the Aweil Town Council, stated that when the government is ready to make improvements on the public sites, the occupants will be informed.