Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony on Wednesday inaugurated a new state ministry headquarters building and veterinary clinic in Juba.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Governor Adil said the foundation for the Ministry of Animal Resources, Fisheries, and Tourism was laid two years ago. He expressed gratitude to the minister and ministry staff for completing the project and encouraged further development of the state’s tourism sector.
“This is a project we embarked on two years ago through a public-private partnership,” Adil said. “When I laid the foundation stone for this construction, I hoped it would reach fruition and not remain a dissonant aspiration. My sincere gratitude goes to Alex Latoya, the Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries, along with the entire ministry staff for ensuring this project is concluded. Now, we stand before an impressive building and a well-stocked veterinary clinic.”
He also thanked private sector partners, including Ali Atteras, CEO of Star Group of Companies, who led the initial project implementation.
“He has proven that success can be attained when you believe in your vision and your work,” Adil said. He also praised Eagle International Company for modernizing and furnishing the ministry headquarters.
“This new headquarters is set to cultivate a productive work atmosphere,” the governor added. “I anticipate tangible results that will strengthen our tourism sector, enhance the value of our livestock, leverage our resources, and develop sound policies to promote our fisheries. To other institutions present, take this as inspiration from the Ministry of Animal Resources and embrace innovation, launching similar initiatives within your organizations. Nothing is unattainable; it only becomes so when we fail to create and innovate.”
Minister Alex Lotoya Elia, who heads the Ministry of Animal Resources, Fisheries, and Tourism, said the new facilities mark a milestone in Central Equatoria’s economic recovery and development efforts.
“These buildings stand as symbols of our collective commitment to economic recovery through agriculture, including livestock, fisheries, and tourism,” Lotoya said. “These achievements are testimonies to our journey to realign with the economic realities of our times. With improved facilities, enhanced veterinary services, and a centralized hub for policy and planning, we are better equipped to serve our people, support farmers, herders, and fishers, and promote Central Equatoria as an economic hub and tourist destination.”
He added that the veterinary clinic would provide timely care for animals, emphasizing that “animals have rights and are entitled to primary health systems, just like human beings.”
Central Equatoria is one of South Sudan’s 10 states and includes the capital, Juba. The state’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and tourism, sectors that have faced challenges due to years of conflict and limited infrastructure.