Water transportation along the River Nile in parts of Jonglei State has resumed after a suspension over security concerns last month.
Early in November, water transport was suspended between the state capital, Bor and Fangak County after repeated attacks on the boat operators by a group of armed bandits. The suspension reportedly led to basic commodities shortages in the area.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj yesterday, Elijah Thongbor Abraham, the Secretary-General for Jonglei Boats’ Union said transport to the northern areas of the state has been ongoing since the beginning of this month.
“Weeks after an attack on a humanitarian convoy, security forces have been stationed in the area of Shambe. So, we have been operating normally. On Sunday, two boats left Bor for Fangak,” Thongbor said.
He appreciated the government for boosting security along the Nile.
The head of the Chamber of Commerce in Fangak, Samuel Kangach, admitted security had improved since the beginning of the month, and that the county has been receiving goods via the Nile.
“Between Bor and Fangak, there are no more threats. But northwards to the areas of Palm el Zahraf (New Fangak), we suspended our works because of insecurity there following inter-communal violence. In Fangak town, goods are now available,” he said.
For his part, Joseph Mayen Akoon, the state police commissioner, attributed the improved security situation to the patrols being carried out by the security forces along the Nile.