By Hou Akot Hou
Northern Bahr el Ghazal state governor visited Gakrol payam in Aweil South County on Friday, May 16, the event of the SPLA Anniversary Day to hear first, challenges facing the county.
The visit provided Governor Simon Ober Mawut with an opportunity to engage directly with residents and address challenges facing the area, including hunger, cholera outbreaks, and security concerns.
Governor Ober was met by a large gathering at Gakrol payam headquarters, where local chiefs, women, county officials, and community members extended a warm reception.
During a meeting, Governor Ober acknowledged the difficulties faced by the community and emphasized the importance of patience and collective action.
He specifically urged residents to prepare for the upcoming farming season as a vital step in combating hunger.
“I express my gratitude on behalf of the government of Northern Bahr el Ghazal and the Republic, as well as personally. Your warm reception demonstrates your resilience, and we must work together to achieve our goals despite the challenges we face. Let us focus on our farming efforts,” he stated.
In addition to addressing food security, Governor Ober pledged to facilitate the reconstruction of a damaged school in Gakrol payam.
He noted the building had suffered significant structural damage and promised to hire a contractor to undertake the repairs, ensuring local children can access education.
Adding to the discussion, the Commissioner of Aweil South County, Luka Thel Thel, highlighted the need for improved security in the area.
He reported an increase in gang-related activities, including ambushes on main roads and robberies.
Commissioner Thel announced a planned crackdown on these gangs, set to begin the following week, involving coordinated efforts by the police, civil defense, and other security forces.
“I want to inform you, Your Excellency, the governor, that I have declared a full fight against these gangs,” Thel stated, recounting recent incidents including the theft of a motorbike and an attempted robbery of a driver. “To restore normalcy, we will target these gangs with the combined efforts of police, civil defense, and other security forces.”
The visit held particular significance as it was the Governor’s first to Aweil South County since his appointment, offering local residents a direct platform to voice their concerns.
The county is grappling with significant economic hardship, still recovering from the impact of severe flooding last year, and is also managing ongoing efforts by health authorities to control cholera cases.