By Peter Kuol Kuch
An unspecified number of residents have been displaced following heavy rain in Bor on Friday.
According to block leaders, the displacement is due to stagnant rainwater and a lack of adequate drainage pathways.
Speaking to this publication, John Makuei, the residential leader in Achuengdier, noted that the water has inundated many houses, forcing residents to move to higher ground in Bor town.
Mr. Makuei stated that the most affected blocks include Negil, Langbar A, Achieng, and Block 1, among others.
“There is no block that isn’t affected by water; it’s a problem for everyone. The residents are suffering greatly, and we want the government to respond immediately,” he urged.
He called on the Bor Municipal Council to establish proper drainage channels to help remove the rainwater from the town.
“In my area, the water is inside the houses, which will have serious consequences for residents, especially children—this water can lead to diseases,” he warned.
In response, Madiing Akueth, the director of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission in Jonglei State, stated that the flooding in the town does not warrant a humanitarian response, citing a lack of town planning in Bor.
“I just passed by Karuma, and the water channel there is blocked by residents on the other side. This is not good; it reflects poor town planning,” he explained.
Mr. Madiing noted that many of the drainage pathways installed in Bor are being obstructed by some residents, making it difficult for water to flow out of residential areas.
“This is not an emergency, as it happens every year. However, the government needs to address this issue. There is no reason to block the water channels; now the water is not moving,” he said.
He urged residents to avoid blocking drainage channels to facilitate the flow of rainwater in Bor town.
Last year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) constructed several water pathways in Bor to mitigate flooding in the area.
Bor town is one of the flat regions in Jonglei State and experiences annual flooding when the rainy season begins.