The local authorities of Warrap’s Tonj North County announced the initiation of the Zain communication network in Rualbet Payam last Friday, marking a significant development in the region’s communication infrastructure.
Tonj North County Executive Director Ayom Majok Riing emphasized the positive impact of the network on reducing crimes in Rualbet Payam and its surrounding areas. Riing reported that his county has now received two communication networks, with the other established in Akop Payam.
“The security of Tonj North County is gradually improving after the arrival of the peace committee from Kuajok town. The Zain communication network began operating yesterday, Friday. I spoke to the Rualbet Payam administrator this morning and also communicated with the administrators of the neighbouring Madhiath Ajak Payam,” Riing stated.
Highlighting the crucial role of communication networks, Riing pointed out their significance in swiftly gathering information about insecurity in the area. “The benefits associated with the network are numerous; it aids in reducing insecurity. In case of any issues in an area, it enables security forces to intervene quickly before the situation escalates, providing an easy way to access information,” he explained.
Riing mentioned that both Akop Payam and Rualbet Payam received communication networks last week, with the launch witnessed by the Acting Governor of Warrap State.
The Director added that the network can be highly beneficial for them, particularly because Akop Payam is situated at a considerable distance from the Warrap headquarters of Tonj North County.
Majok announced the upcoming launch of the Zain network in Aliek Payam, emphasizing its potential to assist state and county authorities in combating crimes perpetrated by armed youth and other criminals.
Expressing their enthusiasm, some residents of Rualbet welcomed the availability of communication means. Maria Ajak Maduot, a resident, highlighted the positive impact, stating, “The network will help reduce raiding and stealing of cattle and other properties. It is now easier to call the Payam administrator and report any criminal activities. Individuals with relatives in Juba and other distant places can communicate with them to seek assistance or report concerns. In case of clashes between the community and soldiers, people can call Juba for intervention.”
Ajak highlighted that the network will facilitate pregnant mothers’ access to health facilities in Warrap town, Kuajok, and Wau towns.
“If someone falls sick, people can call those in Kuajok to take the patient to the hospital, and even expectant mothers in labour can be transported to Warrap health care center for medical assistance,” Ajak stated.
She expressed gratitude, saying, “Before the network, people would fall sick and die without knowledge from relatives in far places. We are very happy and thank the Warrap government for providing us with the Zain network because we were in darkness all this time, and now we are in light, and the situation is good.”
Ajak called on the state government to extend other social services to their village, saying, “We are so happy and thankful to the government, but we need the Warrap State government to provide us with roads, health centers, and clean drinking water. One hand pump is broken, and the remaining two are not sufficient for drinking.”
Chirilo Chol, like others, expressed satisfaction with the Zain network, emphasizing its role in facilitating easy communication and improving security.
“The new development is that Rualbet’s Zain network was installed on January 26, 2024. It is working now and is beneficial to the community as it helps combat crimes. One can call the state government, police, or authorities of the Payam, and then the police can rush to the scene. Even in ordinary fights among youth or girls at the water point, the police can quickly respond and apprehend individuals,” he explained.
Chol highlighted the strategic location of Rualbet, bordering Marial Lou Payam, Akop Payam, Tonj East (especially Ngap Agok Payam), and Kiriik Payam. He emphasized the significance of improved communication in eradicating cattle rustling and preventing the unjust killing of innocent people, as security forces can now receive quick information.
“Communication is easier nowadays; I can access information from Kuajok, for example, as I am talking with you in Kuajok town. Even contractors who are building schools used to go to Warrap town before to communicate with their people in Wau and Kuajok. Now they are enjoying communicating with their people here,” he added.