As South Sudan joined the rest of the world to mark World Environment Day on Wednesday, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry urged communities in lowlands and flood-prone areas to relocate to higher and safer grounds as forecast floods may wreak havoc.
To commemorate the day, the ministry also advised people in the cities and towns to open water pathways to channel rainwater to rivers.
Jaden Tongun, the Undersecretary of Forestry at the ministry, read a statement on behalf of the Minister of Environment and called on the public to protect and conserve the environment.
“On the expected flooding in the lowlands and flat plains due to climate change, communities living in those areas are advised to relocate to higher grounds to avoid loss of lives and properties. In cities and towns, people are advised to dig drains, clean drainage systems and streams to channel runoff water to the streams and rivers,” he advised. “The Ministry of Environment and Forestry argues all the citizens of South Sudan to protect and conserve the environment and embark on sustainable lifestyle because there is no planet B.”
Tongun decried massive deforestation in the country and pollution across the country and called on everyone to save and protect the environment from these hazards.
“Our country is experiencing massive deforestation, plastic pollution of our towns, streams, and rivers, unsustainable soil and liquid waste management, and oil pollution in the oil-producing areas,” he stressed.
According to the senior official, South Sudan celebrated this year’s World Environment Day under the local theme “Our Environment, Our Responsibility.”
Environment plays an important role in healthy living and the existence of life on planet Earth. Earth is a home for different living species and we all are dependent on the environment for food, air, water, and other needs,” he stated. “Therefore, it is important for every individual to save and protect our environment.”