By Philip Buda Ladu
Juba County Commissioner Emmanuel Tete Ezbon has announced a new land demarcation initiative in the Joppa Shilk area, aimed at curbing criminal activity and fostering development.
According to the Commissioner’s Press Unit, the project, launched on Wednesday, comes to fruition as a result of collaboration between county authorities and the local community.
In a statement to the press, Commissioner Ezbon emphasized the importance of community involvement in the process.
“The community of Joppa met with the Juba County authorities to present their agenda of arranging the residential area in order to combat criminal activities,” he said, stressing that the county cannot demarcate land without community agreement.
“We have agreed with the community on this demarcation because many criminal activities have been taking place here in Joppa,” Mr. Ezbon reiterated adding that the demarcation is intended to address illegal settlements and improve security.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner has urged the community to expedite the necessary land documentation, stating, “this is not just a demarcation; it is a solution to illegal settlements in the area. It will help address insecurity and foster faster development in the county.”
A key aspect of the plan involves establishing a police presence in the area.
Commissioner Ezbon called on the responsible committee to identify suitable locations for police sector deployment, noting the shared responsibility between communities and the government in land management.
“According to our constitution, communities are responsible for the land, but the government also plays a vital role,” he explained.
Juba County Executive Director Hillary Lukudu Mohammed further highlighted the need to allocate space for essential services like schools and hospitals.
He stressed the importance of preserving open spaces for future community programs, noting that existing open spaces have contributed to insecurity.
“There is one open space, and this open space is causing insecurity. The community must protect this space for future programs in the area,” Mohammed said.
For his part, Luri Payam Director Hillary Juma Yoseke celebrated the initiative as a significant step forward for the area.
“Joppa is the only place in Luri Payam that has not yet been demarcated, and people have settled here without proper arrangements,” he said. “We are pleased and we call it the closing of the first chapter of criminal activities in the area.”
The land demarcation project in Joppa Shilk, west of Juba town represents a collaborative effort between local residents and Juba County authorities to create a safer and more developed community.