By James Innocent
Yei River County in Central Equatoria received a new Executive Director, Hillary Konga, on Monday.
Central Equatoria State Minister of Local Government, Leon Ade, accompanied Konga to a welcoming ceremony in Yei.
Yei County Commissioner Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa briefed Minister Ade on Yei’s current situation.
He emphasized agriculture’s importance in combating hunger, especially with the influx of returnees from Uganda and Congo.
He stressed that Yei requires additional state government support, as all revenue currently goes towards security and livelihoods.
“Without livelihood and security, achieving peace is extremely difficult,” Kanyikwa stressed.
He also requested training for Yei’s County Councilors, many of whom were appointed from different parties within the county under the Revitalized Agreement.
The Commissioner highlighted Yei Civil Hospital’s role as a referral center for greater Yei, serving over 337,000 people. He called for its designation as a regional hospital due to the high number of referrals from neighboring counties.
“The hospital lacks adequate power, leading to the tragic loss of over six children due to oxygen shortages,” he revealed. “Our county can only provide 400 liters of fuel per month, which is insufficient.”
Commissioner Kanyikwa further urged the state government to invest in medical personnel training to improve healthcare services.
He also expressed gratitude to President Salva Kiir Mayardit for approving the General Court Martial in Yei.
Kanyikwa commended SSPDF Commander in Yei, for collaborating with civilian population to achieve relative peace.
Minister Ade emphasized the importance of peace in Yei for agricultural activities. He mentioned the new Governor’s plan to establish over 400 cooperatives across Central Equatoria to boost food production.
For his part the new executive director, Hillary Konga, pledged to collaborate with county authorities to achieve Yei’s development goals.