South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Ministry of Housing and Public Utilities in Central Equatoria State has officially launched a land plot showing in Gudele Block 9 Extension. This initiative comes after nearly 17 years of uncertainty, as residents have lived without legal documentation for their properties since 2008.
At the event, Minister of Housing David Morbe Aquilino emphasized the importance of cooperation between the community and the engineers involved in the process.
“I am here today not to make grand speeches, but to observe and encourage cooperation between the residents and the engineers. The engineers are here to serve you, and I ask that you cooperate with them. It’s essential that we organize this area to bring development and ensure that everyone receives a proper plot.”
According to Morbe, the government’s role is to deliver services to the people, irrespective of community or religion.
“We cannot move forward without collaboration, and I encourage everyone to respect the laws of this land to ensure a peaceful and organized process.”
Morbe also addressed security concerns, stressing that any land disputes would be resolved through legal channels.
“If any issues arise regarding land, we will follow the law. We do not want to create insecurity. If anyone tries to disturb the peace, the government will intervene accordingly,” he warned.
Regarding the organization of the plots, engineer Galdino Hillary expressed optimism, stating, “We are happy to be part of this launch. If the community continues to cooperate, we are confident we can complete the plot showings in a short time. Today we managed to show at least 65 plots to the owners.”
However, area chief Augustino Lado underscored the significance of the plot showing for community development.
“The government’s intervention is crucial for the development of this area. Without proper land documentation, we cannot expect services like electricity, hospitals, or water. The plot showing will bring essential services to the area, and I am hopeful this will lead to further improvements in the community.”
Lado, who has witnessed the challenges faced by residents, said, “We have faced issues with water and access to medical care. The government’s actions today will help us address these challenges. The community will benefit from this effort.”
He also addressed the issue of illegal land occupation, stating, “Many people have lived on land without legal documents for years. It is the government’s responsibility to address these cases. We will work to ensure that those who have been living here without proper documentation are provided with land.”
Residents of Gudele Block 9 Extension expressed their gratitude for the government’s efforts to provide legal documentation for their properties after nearly 17 years without formal recognition.
The launch of the land plot showing represents a significant step in formalizing land ownership in Gudele, bringing hope for future development and legal stability for the long-standing residents of the area.
