By Yang Ater
Lakes State government in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), have officially launched the construction of a Honey Facility Center in Nukta-Manga, Domuloto Payam, Wulu County.
Isaac Luka Manga, the State Minister for Cooperative and Rural Development, expressed gratitude to the Domuloto community for providing the land necessary for the value-collection initiative.
“We are here today, alongside Honorable Agai and directors from the Ministries of Animal Resources, Fisheries, Tourism, and Cooperative and Rural Development, to break ground for this important project,” he announced. “Construction will begin shortly, with engineers starting work within the next few days.”
Minister Manga highlighted the facility’s multipurpose nature, stating its potential to benefit a large number of community members.
“We aim to start with 500 beehives, taking advantage of Domuloto’s strategic location, which borders Mvolo, Makundy, Bargel, and Rumbek,” he explained. “This initiative is part of our commitment to economically empower the local population and combat poverty in the area.”
Hannington Sebaduka, head of the FAO field office in Rumbek, noted that the bulk collection center is expected to handle approximately 15 tons of honey per season.
“Our goal is to mobilize at least 500 beekeepers from Domuloto, Bargel, Wulu, and northern Western Equatoria, with Domuloto residents expected to benefit most from this facility,” he said.
Sebaduka explained that the project builds on FAO’s previous work in the Shea butter sector and aims to expand its impact throughout Wulu County and beyond.
We are going to have this facility together with a solar-driven multipurpose well to run this processing Centre to be a Centre that can facilitate processing as well as marketing,” Sebaduka explained.
Mrs. Elizabeth Momu Agum, a local resident, expressed enthusiasm about the new facility.
“The honey factory will support us greatly. When honey is produced, people will come to buy it from us,” she said, thanking FAO for their continuous support and training.
John Angek Bilal, a youth representative from Domuloto Payam, shared his excitement about the initiative.
“This is the first manufacturing company to arrive in our community since Wulu became a county,” he noted. “We are eager to strengthen this industry, not just for Wulu but for Lakes State as a whole.”
Moses Bilal Kulang, deputy paramount chief of Domuloto Payam, revealed that he offered the land for the honey facility without expecting any compensation.
“This project represents a significant economic opportunity for our people,” he stated. “Anyone from Nairobi, Khartoum, Juba, or Wau can come and purchase honey produced right here in Domuloto Payam.”
Kulang emphasized the community’s commitment to the project, saying, “We have freely provided this land, and we believe that if the factory is productive, it will generate income for everyone involved.”
The launch of the Honey Facility Center marks a hopeful step forward for economic development in Wulu County, promising to enhance livelihoods and foster community cohesion.