By Bida Elly David
President Kiir Mayardit has directed the national ministry of finance and planning to immediately fund humanitarian affairs docket as it struggles to response to the fleeing returnees and refugees’ crisis brought by Sudan war.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Albino Akol Atak, recently appealed for more fund from the government, to curb the dire humanitarian situation of Sudan’s conflict escapees.
He revealed that the SSP 1 billion that the ministry of finance and planning, released earlier to his docket, to manage humanitarian needs of those escaping war from Sudan, was almost finished.
Atak cited that his ministry had conducted 20 trips of evacuating returnees from Polach to Juba and Wau, carrying a total of over 7,000 people, to their final destinations.
The Humanitarian Affairs ministry, had also earlier, requested over $ 4 million, from the Ministry of Finance as emergency response funds to address the needs of people fleeing Sudan War.
The ministry of humanitarian affairs has raised concerns over delays in releasing the approved funds effect services to the war survivors in Upper Nile and Aweil.
As transportation of the people remains hectic, the ministry has requested presidency to find ways through which the latest influx could be exercised without delays.
A statement on presidential Facebook page indicates that following a meeting with the minister of humanitarian affairs, president Kiir expressed sympathy over reports of shortage of cash, hitting the relief institution.
The President after receiving a report of a huge influx, clocking to 73,700 people, ordered finance ministry to fully fund the relief and humanitarian services for the welfare of the people.
President Kiir, however, did not clarify how much money the ministry should release from the 4.6 million Dollars remaining as unpaid balance after being approved by the council.
Meanwhile, humanitarian affairs minister, Albino Akol, said majority of those camping in Upper Nile, Northern and Western Bahr-El-Ghazal are battling lack of shelters, food and medication, as the population continuous to swell.
The Minister noted that they have started evacuating the returnees from Renk to Juba, Wau and other parts of the Country, despite the financial challenge hindering the evacuation process.
He said plans are underway to evacuate the people from Renk and other entry points by River transport.
Akol acknowledged the support done by humanitarian partners in welcoming the returnees and refugees escaping from Sudan.
Last week, the commissioner of Aweil North raised concerns that majority of the returnees and refugees are facing lack of latrines as most of them has to pass stools in open places risking them against medical complications.
He noted that lack of food, shelter and medication were major factors that need to be resolved before the situation escalate.