In a show of solidarity, Mogiri community leaders on Tuesday expressed unwavering support for the government of Central Equatoria State, led by  Emmanuel Adil Anthony, commending the proactive leadership of Hon. Alex Latio, the Minister of Animal Resources, Fisheries, and Tourism.

During the meeting with Alex Latio, Ezbon Pitia, Chairman of the Mogiri Community, highlighted pressing challenges faced by the community. These challenges encompass the lack of essential facilities such as schools, health centers, clean drinking water, and agricultural training and support. Pitia emphasized the need for advanced knowledge and skills in livestock management, among other developmental activities that should be facilitated by the government.

Pitia labelled Mogiri boma as one of the most overlooked communities in Central Equatoria State and South Sudan, despite the community’s active participation in historical events such as the Anyanya and SPLA/SPLM revolutions, which ultimately led to the liberation of South Sudan as a sovereign state.

Despite facing numerous obstacles, Pitia revealed that the Mogiri community, through self-reliant initiatives, managed to build a boma office for the local government of Mangalla Payam in Juba County. Additionally, the community established a health center funded by local contributions.

Pitia noted the challenges arising from Mogiri’s high population, with representatives from almost all 64 tribes of South Sudan residing in the area. This diversity, he explained, makes it difficult for the community to access essential services, and the limited resources available are insufficient to cater to the needs of everyone.

Water scarcity emerged as a critical issue, with no permanent river in Mogiri and seasonal dependence on rain for the tributary. Currently, the community relies on only two boreholes, which are inadequate to meet the water needs of the entire boma.

Among the key concerns raised to Hon. Alex Latio was the community’s lack of advanced skills and capacities in livestock management and fisheries.

Expressing gratitude for the community’s visit to his office, Minister Alex Latio commended the Mogiri Community leadership for their civility and commitment to addressing relevant issues concerning his ministry. He emphasized the significance of political awareness in fostering development within communities, asserting that seeking government support for local development is the community’s rightful endeavour.

Acknowledging Mogiri’s historical significance as an active battleground during conflicts, Minister Latio lamented the absence of political elites within the community, which could have facilitated development through political representation in various government offices.

Encouraging the community to engage in cattle rearing for its economic benefits, Latio assured them of his ministry’s commitment to facilitating livestock projects in Mogiri. Moreover, he pledged to liaise with the Ministry of Agriculture to provide the community with seeds and tools, especially with the approaching rainy season.

In addition, Minister Latio promised to collaborate with developmental partners to increase the number of boreholes in the Mogiri area, addressing the critical issue of water scarcity.