The Deputy Governor of Western Equatoria State, Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, has condemned the illegal sale of public land, warning of its long-term effects on development.
In an interview on Sunday, Badagbu criticized the sale and the demarcation of land meant for schools, markets, and recreational facilities, calling it a sign of poor urban planning.
“It is unacceptable. Public land is vanishing, and this undermines our future. Cities need spaces for leisure, open markets, and agriculture,” he said.
The Deputy Governor recalled halting similar practices during his tenure as Governor of the defunct Gbudue State, and emphasized the need for proper urban planning. He called for a city plan with well-structured roads and infrastructure to boost development.
Badagbu pledged to address the issue in the upcoming Cabinet meetings and commended Governor Lt Gen Alfred Futuyo Karaba for the efforts to stop further land demarcation in the state. He urged stakeholders to collaborate in safeguarding public spaces for education, trade, and leisure.
The Deputy Governor’s remarks echo the growing public concerns over land misuse in Yambio and other parts of Western Equatoria State.