By Yang Ater Yang
Lakes State government officials and partners commemorated belated World Water Day on Monday in Rumbek North County.
The event was held under the theme “Water for Peace.”
Mathiang Ater Chier, paramount chief of Rumbek North County emphasized the importance of water for both peace and development in the community.
He highlighted the lack of a land survey in Rumbek North as a major obstacle, preventing residents from building permanent houses.
“We, the people of Rumbek North, lack many things,” Sultan Chier said.
The chief noted that absence of land survey, hinders development and people’s ability to build houses.
“If someone builds a house and a survey comes later, it could lead to demolition. This fear is holding back Maper’s development,” he expressed.
The paramount chief appealed to the Lakes State Ministry of Physical Infrastructure, Land, and Housing to survey Rumbek North headquarters (Maper) to facilitate housing construction.
He also urged the improvement of roads connecting Maper, which are crucial for schools and healthcare facilities to receive supplies.
Charles Matoch Malok, a youth representing Rumbek North County, appreciated the World Water Day commemoration.
He emphasized the need for improved water access, including facilities for agriculture and animal watering.
Veronica Athieng Michael, a WASH officer with a German aid organization, highlighted the collaborative effort to achieve equitable water distribution across Lakes State.
“We, as WASH partners, along with the state ministry, aim for equitable water distribution in all counties, payams, villages, and bomas,” Ms. Michael said.
“We’re working towards achieving today’s theme, ‘Water for Peace,’ by rehabilitating boreholes and integrating water facilities with health facilities” she added.
Barnaba Makuac Magol, Director of Water in Lakes State, acknowledged the challenges of water scarcity and insecurity in border areas like Maper.
He commended WASH organizations’ efforts and emphasized the importance of community ownership and sustainability.
“The water we are celebrating today is for human consumption, not for animals,” Mr. Magol said.
“Sustainability requires users to collect tariffs, buy spare parts, maintain facilities, and avoid open defecation.”