The South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) on Tuesday officially launched the Emergency Call Centre in Bulluk, Juba. Minister of Interior Micheal ChiangJiek Geay Mut, Inspector General of Police Gen. Majak Akec Malok, Ambassador of Japan Seiji Okada and UNDP Country Director Dr. Kamil Kamaluddeen oversaw the ceremony.

 Welcoming the distinguished guests at this important event, Inspector General of Police Gen. Majak Akec Malok appreciated the continuous support from the government of Japan in various sectors and outlined the background and implementation of the project.

“The Emergency Call Centre was started in Juba in July 2014 as a pilot. The team has now been trained through the specialized Joint Integrated Police training supported by SSNPS, UNPOL and UNDP, and emergency response trainings provided by UNDP, and have recommenced response to calls from throughout Juba for emergency assistance,” he said.

Ambassador of Japan Seiji Okada emphasized the necessity of capacity building for the Emergency Call Centre personnel and announced a further assistance of US$0.8 million for the security sector.

UNDP Country Director Dr. Kamil Kamaluddeen congratulated the Emergency Call Centre personnel and commended the joint efforts of SSNPS and the mobile providers in this private-public partnership.

“This is a crucial mechanism to increase public access to the police, as the 777 toll free hotline provides 24-hour police response. This project, including the training, will increase SSNPS’ ability to respond to emergencies swiftly, professionally and effectively,” Dr. Kamaluddeen said.

Minister of Interior Micheal ChiangJiek Geay Mut thanked the Government of Japan, UNDP, GIZ, UNPOL and all mobile operators for their support to the Emergency Call Centre in Juba. “This equipment will enable the Emergency Call Centre to respond to emergency situations professionally.”

 He urged Emergency Call Centre in-charge to ensure the effective deployment of trained police to Emergency Call Centre duties in the various divisions of Juba.