The Malakal Municipality in Upper Nile State announced the completion of three canals within the town on Wednesday to address potential flooding as the rainy season approaches.
Francis Nyang Awuok, the town’s deputy mayor, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that these measures were crucial to ensure the habitability of the town in preparation for upcoming elections.
“We have opened three watercourses in Malakal town, each measuring about four kilometers,” Nyang stated.
He detailed the specific routes of the canals, stating, “The first watercourse runs through Khor-Gatluak to the Nile, dividing Tharawa and Assossa residential areas. The second one passes near Agri-Mechanic, dividing Assossa and Hai-Shuada areas, while the last watercourse runs into the Nile at Egyptian Irrigation Scheme (Rei al-Mazri), dividing residential areas of Malakia and Sora Jalaba.”
He further explained, “These watercourses will effectively channel water from residential areas into the River Nile. This project is an initiative led by us with support from local organizations. With these measures, Malakal is now habitable and prepared to host President Kiir during his election campaign.”
Deputy Mayor Nyang also highlighted ongoing plans to open the remaining two watercourses in accordance with the town’s masterplan, ultimately aiming to make Malakal free from floods.
One resident of the town, Kuol Deng, expressed appreciation for the initiative, stating, “We are pleased. This is the kind of development we, as citizens, desire. Now, our government should focus on improving roads and ensuring a clean water supply.”