By William Madouk
Authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have begun to improve and expand the drainage systems in an effort to mitigate recurring floods in the state.
In his remark during the grand launching of the opening of waterways in Aweil, Governor Simon Ober Mawut said the threat of chronic inundation prompted his administration to take drastic measures to meet the challenge head-on.
“The level of flooding witnessed last year was unprecedented and historic in scale, such amount of water levels had not been seen in this state in the past several decades,” he said.
“It was a dangerous reminder that the effects and threat of climate change are real, and the situation could likely worsen in the years to come,” he added.
The State leader asserted that they could ignore the early warning and risk posed by climate change.
“It is for the above reasons that make this launching a particularly significant one. Our preparation to confront flood problem must begin now,” Ober stated.
“Our search for lasting solutions may be hindered by the limitation of resources, but this must never be a reason for us not to work out ways to pursue and achieve this critical objection,” he continued.
Aweil governor underscored that his administration would mobilize funds to facilitate the construction of waterways so that flooding risk would not be similar to last year.
However, Ober appealed to partners and well-wishers to join hands with NBGs in order to accomplish the mission.
Besides, Ober recalled how fury of nature led to loss of considerable number of properties, houses misshapen, farms destroyed and livestock lost.
“I urge our fellow citizens to exercise a little patience while we try to find practical and sustainable solutions to what is clearly a recurring challenge,”
In Sept 2024, the flooding resulting from the heavy rains reportedly claimed lives of three people including a mother and an infant in Nyin-aluk residential area, in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state.
Hundreds of families fled their homes after being displaced by the deadly flood that has left a trail of destruction – with about 2,300 homes and farms destroyed including vital infrastructures such as schools.
Heavy downpours cut off roads such as Dokul and Akuem-Kou areas, compelling governor Simon Ober to lead a risk management team to assess to situation and damages.
South Sudan ranks seventh in the world for people’s vulnerability to river floods.
Between 2019 and 2022, torrential rains and rising water levels around Lake Victoria, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, generated a wide swampy area of flooding in the country.
Frequent floods in recent years have destroyed health facilities, water and food sources, and shelters.
Last year, more than 5.4 million people were expected to live in flood-affected areas, according to a report.