Citizens in the Jonglei State capital, Bor town, are demanding better services as they expect the arrival of President Salva Kiir later this afternoon.
Earlier this morning, the state government announced President Kiir’s visit slated for this afternoon and urged the locals to turn out in their thousands to receive the head of the state.
Several Bor residents told Radio Tamazuj that they expect the president to provide services and acquaint himself with the challenges facing the civil population.
One Bor resident, Aluel Kut, said, “As the whole country knows, we have been affected by the floods. So we want our president to help in the construction of the dykes.”
Amuel Amon, another Bor resident, wants President Kiir to address the issue of delayed salaries, saying families have been left suffering for months without food.
For his part, Bol Deng Bol, a prominent activist in Jonglei, welcomed Kiir’s visit, saying he would be able to see for himself the impact of floods and inter-communal violence.
“Flood and inter-communal violence are issues people are coping with so it is good that he is coming. He would be able to see the impact of the floods and the impact of the state of emergency because the state of emergency was declared but it achieved nothing,” Deng said. “It is also being reported that he is coming to see the Juba-Bor road construction.
So, it could be better if he were to use the road but we learn that he will be using a chopper.”