By Bida Elly David
Spokesperson of South Sudan’s National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA) criticizes the capital, Juba, as the dirtiest city in the world.
Hon. John Agany cited Juba city’s lack of environmental management policies against climate change.
The MP was speaking during a debate on 2022 report presented at an inter-parliamentary conference, on global climate change held in Egypt,
He blamed the Ministry of Environment for failing to expedite the environmental policies.
“Juba is one of the dirtiest cities in the world, very dirty. You smell something everywhere which is not friendly to your nose,” he said.
Agany compared South Sudan to small African countries like Rwanda but said in those countries every street is green and dust-free.
He urged the Ministry of Environment to collaborate with the city council to ensure beautification and cleaning.
“Does our Ministry of Environment have a working policy framework, if it is not there then it is this ministry to be the first institution to be accused,” he said.
Meanwhile, Joseph Malual, an MP representing Lakes State, criticized the parliamentary tendency to focus on international treaties without considering internal environmental pollution.
Mayen Deng Alier also highlighted the difficulties in waste management in South Sudan, with garbage being overflowing into the environment, causing serious pollution and affecting people’s health.
“Another problem we are facing is the issue of people crossing the areas around the river such areas should be allowed for trees to be under,’’ he said.
Deng also observed parliamentary weakness in using technical people to deal with climate change matters, particularly during climate change conferences.
He called for parliamentarians with knowledge of climate change, energy, environment, and petroleum, as generators contribute to carbon emissions in the country, especially Juba.
A global report from May 2023 revealed that Juba is becoming the dirtiest city in East Africa, with garbage overflowing everywhere, including highways and road junctions.
The report also revealed that some cartels are using the River Nile for garbage dumping, while local, county, and national governments refuse to address this issue.