By Ijoo Bosco
Eastern Equatoria government officials have visited internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Magwi Central Primary School this week to express solidarity with the affected population.
Speaking to the IDPs, German Charles Ojok, an advisor on economic matters to the governor, who led by the delegation said the state government is tirelessly working to secure support for those displaced.
He announced that the state government has allocated 50 million South Sudanese pounds to assist individuals who have left their homes in various areas of Magwi County.
Most of the residents are now homeless as their houses have been burned and belongings looted.
According to Ojok, the governor is working around the clock to seek help for the internally displaced persons in Magwi County.
“Your governor is doing everything possible to lobby and encourage all state civil servants to contribute by donating one day’s salary to support your basic and humanitarian needs. We are hopeful this will come to fruition, as all government institutions have been ordered to participate in providing solidarity for the people of Magwi County,” said Ojok.
Magwi County Commissioner Pole Pole Benjamin Olum confirmed that the Eastern Equatoria government has donated assorted food and non-food items to the IDPs in his county.
He praised the government’s decision to direct the finance ministry to deduct one day’s salary from all employees to aid those suffering in Magwi.
“We, the authorities of Magwi County, greatly appreciate the directive from our governor to all government institutions and the finance ministry to deduct one day’s salary from civil servants to support the internally displaced communities in our county. This will significantly help improve the dire conditions faced by our IDPs, who lack basic necessities after their goods were burned and farms destroyed,” said Benjamin.
For his part, Emilio Igga, a Member of Parliament representing Magwi County in the Eastern Equatoria State Parliament, stated that, under normal circumstances, they should be discussing agricultural matters, but the situation has been disrupted.
He recalled that during his tenure as commissioner, they worked hard to drive the LRA out of Magwi County with the help of local youth.
Meanwhile, Salfa Ben Okeny, the county Relief and Rehabilitation Coordinator, noted that the IDPs have been relying on support from individuals of goodwill.
He acknowledged receiving food and non-food items from the Eastern Equatoria government to assist the internally displaced people.
According to him, NGOs have already conducted assessments and are awaiting further action.