Nile River Communities Urge Action as Flood Threat Looms

Summary:

• Communities along the Nile River in Bor, Jonglei State, are alarmed by the government’s lack of action to prevent flooding as Lake Victoria’s water levels reach historic highs. Residents urge for protective dykes and awareness campaigns, fearing a repeat of the devastating 2020 floods. The government is making some efforts to repair dykes, but concerns remain as severe flooding is expected due to increased water discharge from Uganda.

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Communities along the Nile River, particularly in Bor, Jonglei State, are deeply concerned about the government’s lack of proactive measures to mitigate potential flood disasters.

Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Pal Mai Deng, announced that Lake Victoria’s water levels have risen to a historic 13.6 meters, the highest in over a century. This has caused the Nalubaale Power Station in Jinja, Uganda, to discharge 2,600 cubic meters of water per second downstream, affecting South Sudan.

Peter Ajak Ayom, a resident of Bor, expressed his frustration over the government’s inaction, citing the lack of awareness campaigns and the urgent need for protective dykes. “There are no preventive measures in place. The dyke in town only covers part of it, leaving areas like Kolnyang, Jale, and Angakuei unprotected,” he said.

Ayom recalled the 2020 floods that caused significant damage due to the government’s failure to act early, despite warnings from Uganda.

Farmers like John Chol Mayol are particularly vulnerable. His farm along the Nile in Bor is already being affected by rising water. “The water has started entering my farm, and we have stopped work. The government is only focusing on town culverts and not on our farms,” he said.

The looming flood crisis is reminiscent of the devastating 2020 floods that impacted thousands across Upper Nile and other regions of South Sudan.

James Ghai Makhor, Commissioner of Bor County, acknowledged the forecasted floods and said efforts are underway to repair existing dykes and launch awareness campaigns. “We are repairing dykes in Jale with ARC Company’s help and preparing for floods expected in late June and early July,” he said.

The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation warned that South Sudan might experience severe flooding due to the unusual water release from the Ugandan dam, potentially worse than in 2020.

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