The Transitional Government of National Unity has approved about 28.2 million US dollars for the purchase of water equipment in the country.
The money is expected to be utilized for the purchase of equipment, which includes materials for dredging of rivers and the construction of mini dams to minimize flooding.
The Minister of Information Michael Makuei said the budget was presented by the Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources, Manawa Peter at the council of ministers meeting on Friday, 13 May.
“The operationalization of this project according to the minister it’s actually for the purchase of equipment that is needed in the ministry in order to enable it to conduct its functions and duties in terms of development of water sources like heifers, dredging of the rivers and construction of mini dams for the preservation of water and so forth,” Makuei briefed reporters after the meeting.
Minister Makuei said the slotted amount of equipment will be allocated across the country to areas in need.
“This equipment, of course, is not only equipment for this year but these are equipment that will last for long and will be able to serve the whole of South Sudan,” he said.
Every year, torrential rains across the country cause havoc in several parts of the country including Jonglei, Lakes, and parts of Central and Western Equatoria states.
According to a report by UNOCHA, an estimated million people have so far been affected by the flash floods in 27 counties since the beginning of 2021.
Jonglei and Unity states are the most affected – accounting for 58% of people affected.
Upper Nile, Western, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal come second as states badly affected by floodwater.