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| File: One of the three excavators used to dredge Naam River in Unity State. |
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The announcement was made by the Unity State Legislative Assembly saying that, dredging of the Naam River commence.
The local authorities said that, large excavators mounted on pontoons which will be used to clear the flooding where flood had been severe over the years.
The clearing of Naam River faced alot of obstacles due to public uproar and heated arguments among the government and the civil society and activists.
The stakeholders finally agreed to, conduct scientific assessment inorder to evaluate the impact on the eco_system before commencing to dredge.
Mr. Stephen Mawich who is the chairperson of the information Committee in Unity State while speaking to the media said that, the dredging of Naam River had already started.
“The three large fully equipped excavator machines have successfully started their work and are now inside the Naam River, clearing out all blocked obstacles within the river. These machines will play a pivotal role in the cleaning process of Naam River,” Mawich said.
Mr. Mawich further said that, dredging of River Naam and clearing of the reeds and obstructions will help mitigate the floodings.
“We believe that clearing the river of reeds and obstructions will help mitigate flooding. It is very important for our communities that have migrated (due to flooding) from different areas across the seven counties in Unity State, to return to their respective areas.” Mawich said.
Mr. Mawich also said that, he witnessed the flood waters flowing back into the river after the machines started dredging the river.
“We have seen (flood) waters flowing back to the river after the three large excavator machines started clearing Naam River in the last few days,” Mawich said.
Mr. Mawich concluded by saying that, the people of Unity State will be in a position to transport it's commodities to juba within one month period.
Unity State Members of Parliament and the locals gave their support for the initiative to dredge Naam River saying that it will assuage flooding in the region.
One Nyakuoth Mathot said that, dredging of the river will prevent further flood and hence improve livelihood of the people of Unity State.
An anonymous correspondent said that, he is happy for the initiative and gave thanks to the government and state actors for initiating the dredging of Naam River.
“Now our community will go back to their respective homes after the clearing of Naam River,” he said.
Dr. Riak Koang, a resident of the Bentiu IDP camp, joined the chorus of support for the river clearing project.
“The clearing of Naam River will reduce the water level and provide hope to the community,” Dr. Riek stated.
“It has the potential to address the issues faced by communities in the area and enable the government to provide necessary security for the community, allowing people to return to their homes.” Dr. Riek said.
Mr. Zacharia Manyang who is the acting secretary general if the civil society union in Unity State said that, boats can now move from Juba to Bentiu when the the river is dredged.
“Boats can move from Juba to Bentiu headquarters when the river is cleared and commodity prices will reduce when the clearing exercise has been completed.” Zacharia said.
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