UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has launched a US$40,000 borehole construction project in the remote villages of Akot Madut and Atoong, located more than 40 kilometres from the Tonj area capital
Absence of clean drinking water has often resulted in confrontations between the communities of Akot Madut and Atoong villages in Chuei-chok.
The project will be implemented by the Community Initiative for Development Agency (CIDA). Gabriel Pap Nyok, executive director of CIDA, asked community members to remain peaceful and support the drilling process.
UNMISS head of Kuajok field office Anastasie Nyirigira said that while serving to diminish water-related conflicts, the project would also ensure that all internally displaced persons in the area have a chance to access clean drinking water.
“The project is intended to create a conducive environment for peaceful coexistence between the host community, returnees and the internally displaced persons (IDP) from Manyang-Ngok centre, who fled to Buot in Chuei-Chok,” she added.
“The project will also enhance gender protection which is the area government’s priority,” she noted, referring to the reduced necessity for women to walk long distances in search of clean water.
Tonj Governor Mathew Mathiang Magoordit thanked UNMISS and CIDA for their partnership and assistance to the community of Manyang-Ngok county. He further extended his support to cooperate with UNMISS during his tenure as governor.
