By Hou Akot Hou
Northern Bahr El Ghazal State governor has pledged to continue construction of Northern Bahr El Ghazal University’s fence.
Simon Ober Mawut vows to ensure that the first phase of the wall is completed before moving on to other parts of the University’s infrastructure.
According to the governor, construction of the wall is a key step to make the university vibrant and operational as one of the government’s institutions.
Speaking at the Palm Africa Hotel during a consultative meeting held last Saturday, Mawut stated that his administration would allocate a portion of the construction responsibilities to each county commissioner among the five counties, using their financial resources.
“I have noticed that the university project is stalling, and I have devised a plan to give each commissioner a portion of the area to construct, particularly the wall fence, which remains incomplete,” Ober said.
“When I was in Juba prior to my appointment, I saw beautiful images of the university fence on social media. However, upon my arrival, I realized it requires significant effort and financial resources from any sitting governor. I will ensure that the wall fence is completed by the commissioners,” he added.
Ober acknowledged the considerable challenges ahead in constructing the university, stating that it is a national project that requires intervention and funding from the national government.
“I have consulted with the country’s leadership, and the national elites, including the president, have recognized this project as a national priority. The budget has been approved, and it is progressing through the necessary approvals. Once it is approved, we will have completed some parts of it,” he noted.
Ober also mentioned that some residents are currently living on the university premises in Aweil Town, and he has ordered the construction of a wall to encircle the area, as these individuals have defied orders to evacuate.
“There are some people who are resistant to moving out of Aweil University. I have instructed the commissioners, who will be responsible for their portions, to continue building the wall while addressing this issue. They have been shown where to relocate, but they refuse to leave. We will see if they truly consider themselves the rightful owners of the plots they occupy,” he urged.
The establishment of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State University has been promised since 2010, and President Kiir has stated that it is a project the government is committed to developing.
Fundraising efforts have been made, but some critics blame mismanagement of the funds. Previous governors have faced scrutiny for failing to provide proper accountability for money collected by chiefs, diaspora members, and intellectuals, which has hindered progress on the wall.