South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"

By Jenifer James
The Commissioner of Juba County, Emmanuel Tete Ezbon, has called for the development of Juba County following the reorganisation of land in the Jopa residential area.
Addressing the gathering on Wednesday, Ezbon said the initiative aims to address the growing insecurity caused by criminal activities in the Jopa residential area.
“The community of Jopa met with the Juba County authorities to present their agenda of arranging the residential area in order to combat criminal activities,” said Ezbon.
He said that the county does not have the power to carry out land demarcation without the agreement of the community.
“We have agreed with the community on this demarcation because many criminal activities have been taking place here in Jopa,” said Ezbon.
Ezbon encouraged the community to finalise the necessary documents for the land as soon as possible.
“This is not just a demarcation; it is a solution to illegal settlements in the area. It will help address insecurity and foster development in the County,” he disclosed.
Ezbon urged the committee responsible for arranging the area to identify locations for the police sector.
“According to our constitution, communities are responsible for the land, but the government also plays a vital role,” he disclosed.
For his part, the Executive Director of Juba County, Hillary Lukudu Mohammed, highlighted the need for the committee to identify spaces for essential services, such as schools and hospitals.
“There is one open space, and this open space is causing insecurity in Jopa here. The community must protect this space for future programs in the area, such as ceremonies,” said Lukudu.
However, the Director of Luri Payam, Hillary Juma Yoseke, said majority of people settled in the area prior to it being demarcated.
“Jopa is the only place in Luri Payam that has not yet been demarcated, and people have settled here without proper arrangements. We are pleased with the demarcation of Jopa, and we call it the closing of the first chapter of criminal activities in the area,” said Juma.
In 2023, former Commissioner of Juba County launched demarcation of land in Juba County to deter rampant land grabbing in the County.