South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
Officials from Central Equatoria State and Juba County have initiated a large-scale land demarcation project in Diggala, encompassing approximately 1,800 square kilometres. This significant initiative aims to alleviate overcrowding in the capital city of Juba by providing space for new settlements and infrastructure.
The launch ceremony, held over the weekend, was attended by key government officials, community leaders, and local residents.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Commissioner of Juba County, Emmanuel Tete Ezbon, outlined the purpose of the demarcation and development of the land.
“We are here to launch the demarcation of land in Diggala,” Commissioner Ezbon announced. “This demarcation includes areas designated for cemeteries for both Christian and Muslim communities, markets, schools, hospitals, and other essential services.”
Emmanuel called on all individuals claiming ownership of plots in the area to come forward for proper verification and registration.
He emphasised the importance of timely development, warning that unused land would be reallocated.
“We are giving you this land, but after six months to one year, if you fail to develop it, we will take it back and give it to someone who needs it and will make use of it,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Central Equatoria State Minister of Local Government, Leon Abe, expressed gratitude to the Diggala community for their cooperation and underscored the urgency of the initiative.
“Juba is overcrowded with people, and they need places to settle,” said Leon. “We thank the communities of Diggala for allocating this land. It will help ease the burden on the government.”
The Executive Director of Rajaf Payam, Martin Morris, urged immediate action to prevent illegal land grabbing.
“Now that the land is demarcated, we need construction to start immediately so that land grabbers do not get the chance to occupy plots illegally,” Morris said.
Engineer Thomas Mathew, part of the technical team, confirmed that the site has been divided into nine major blocks, with areas allocated for investment, education, health services, and more.
“If implemented properly, this area will not lack any basic services,” he assured.
Officials say the project reflects the late Dr John Garang’s vision of taking towns to the villages by bringing essential services closer to rural communities.
