The commissioner of Warrap State’s Gogrial West County on the weekend said Zain South Sudan, a mobile communications and information technology services provider, started operating in Atukuel Payam last Thursday.

Victor Wek Koordit stated that the locals are overjoyed because it is the first for mobile telecommunications services to reach the payam and that the service will help his administration contain insecurity.

“Zain communication network was installed in Atukuel and we are grateful, the community members are delighted and can now communicate with their loved ones from all over. We have had it in plan since last year,” he explained. “The network will improve security, and boost livelihoods and entrepreneurship. Warrap State Governor Kuol Muor formed peace committees. Still, Zain and other networks will help the government maintain security because people can now report criminal activities or community conflicts by calling security organs and local authorities for prompt intervention.”

Commissioner Wek added: “Local traders can transact business, transactions and communicate with suppliers in Kuajok town or Wau in Western Bahr el Ghazal State while in Atukuel market and their goods will be delivered timely.”

He highlighted that there is a need for communication networks along the border of Gogrial West County and Aweil South County in Nothern Bahr el Ghazal State, especially in Maluil Ajak village and other areas to check cattle thefts.

Meanwhile, an elated resident of Atukuel Payam, Mawien Bol, said he can now keep in touch with his family even when he travels.

“Zain communication network nowadays helps connect families and when a person falls sick or anything happens in the house in your absence, you can get the information unlike before when people had to move long distances to access reliable network. However, the network is still poor in areas like Bul,” he stated. “I appreciate Zain for providing the service because you can connect with friends and relatives in Juba and beyond through messages, making important communication very easy.”

Another local, John Akeen Majok, expressed happiness and said the communication service has helped in responding to and rushing sick people from rural areas to health facilities.

“Zain is indeed in Atukuel Payam and it is working well and is helping us a lot,” he said. “I speak with friends from the comfort of my house and one can pick a sick person using a motorbike and take them to the health center unlike before when communication was difficult.”  

Akeen however emphasized that the area needs more services from the government.

“Now we need good roads, health centers, education, and provision of clean drinking water because we have few water points in the area,” he added.