River Yubu has cut off several communities from their farmlands in Sakure Village of Yambio County in Western Equatoria State after heavy rainfall led to the river bursting her banks making it difficult for people to cross the river.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, several affected people called on the government to intervene and build a new bridge so they can access Yambio town, their villages, and gardens.
Leticia Naborongba said she has had difficulties in accessing her farm and has to pay some boys 1,000 SSP to transport her produce across the river.
“I am cultivating across the river and last time it (flooding) happened, my groundnuts got rotten. I am suffering with this river, that is why am calling on the government to help us and build the bridge,” Naborongba lamented. “As of now, for us to bring my harvest they have to carry it over the river for money and I have no money. And also when it happens it is difficult for those who are in the village to go and get salt and soap in town.”
In June, the Western Equatoria State governor, Alfred Futuyo Karaba, contributed 5 million SSP towards the construction of the bridge over River Yubu which he promised would be accomplished before August.
Meanwhile, the representative of the local company contracted to construct the Yubu Bridge, Emmanuel Edward Bakoyego, said the money given to the company to undertake the works was insufficient and used to import materials and that the water level was too high to start works.
“I was the one who signed the contract for this bridge but now there is too much rain and that is why people in Sakure are suffering. The little money the government gave to us, we have used for importing construction materials like cement and iron bars,” Bakoyego said. “So, the delay is not from us, that is why am calling on the government to give some money so that we can finish the construction of this bridge I have brought machines to start the work.”
The youth in the area say the high water level has created job opportunities for them by way of helping people and their goods across the river for a fee.
Nicola Kpiosa, the leader of the youth, said they help carry people across the river at a fee of 200 SSP per person.
“Yes it is helping us because if you get 200-300 SSP a day then you will manage and keep the balance and I do advise them (youth) not to steal and do such work so that you can get salt and soap for their children,” Kpiosa said.