Juba, South Sudan
July 17, 2022 — South Sudan’s First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar said that in the process of solving Nile Water issues, the top priority should be on how to help the flood-affected community in Unity State.
According to the First Vice President, the leaders must focus on helping the flood affected communities more than on the debate.
“As we are solving the Nile insue, we must first consider the flood affected communities.” Machar said.
Machar said South Sudan must decide on its water resource management policy based on national interest and not on emotions.
Addressing the closing of the four-day public awareness and consultations on water management, Machar said there should not be any external factors and prejudices when discussing the issue.
He added that the relations with other countries should be based on nation-to-nation interests and not on prejudices.
The First Vice President also revealed that the Council of Ministers has approved more than 28 million dollars for machines to clear and dredge the country’s water resources beginning from River Naam.
Last week the President ordered the suspension of all activities related to the Dredging of Bahr el Ghazal Basin and Naam River following the mixed reactions nationwide that divided the country into pro and anti-dredging.
Last month during the prayer of late Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hon. Manawa Peter Gatkuoth, Vice president Taban Deng Gai said the dredging must be done to rescue the flood-affected communities in Bentiu.
