More than 1,000 internally displaced households have moved into a newly built residential settlement in Khor Malang, Western Bahr el Ghazal State, as part of efforts to close displacement camps and support long-term resettlement.
Located about five kilometres from Wau town, the 1.2-square-kilometre settlement includes permanent shelters for displaced families and host communities, along with water systems, health facilities and security infrastructure.
The project, funded by the Norwegian government with around $5 million and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), forms part of an initiative promoting voluntary return, relocation and local integration for people who have lived for years in camps and protection sites.
Wasim Ul Hague, Head of Cooperation for South Sudan, described the handover on Tuesday as a “symbol of progress.” Recalling a visit to the area in 2017, when residents were living in a camp, he said the transformation represented “new homes and new beginnings.”
“I am very proud to be here,” he said, adding that Khor Malang could serve as a model for similar projects if cooperation between government, donors, UN agencies and private partners continues.
Western Bahr el Ghazal Governor Sherif Daniel Sherif said the settlement reflects the state’s push to end displacement, announcing that it had become the first in South Sudan to officially close a Protection of Civilians (PoC) site.
“This area has become your new home. It must be maintained clean and secure,” he said, praising humanitarian agencies for establishing essential services such as water, healthcare and policing.
Aid agencies, including IOM, and UN partners such as UNMISS and UNDP have supported displaced communities in the state for years, providing basic services in camps before the shift toward permanent resettlement.
IOM officials said the project, initially planned three years ago, faced delays but was completed through joint efforts. “This is the first phase of an effort that must continue,” an official said, stressing the need to sustain services including education, healthcare and policing.
The settlement includes about 1,800 residential plots shared between displaced families and host communities to promote social cohesion. Of the households resettled, 400 received direct housing support, while 600 were assisted with cash to build their own homes.
Arop Mathiang Amiyock, National Director for IDPs/Returnees at the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), described the handover as the start of long-term solutions. “Today is not just a ceremony, it marks the real beginning of solutions — reintegration, resettlement, rehabilitation and recovery,” he said.
Residents welcomed the move, citing improved living conditions after years in camps. “We used to stay in plastic houses and faced many challenges. Thieves would steal our things,” said Charles Albert, a beneficiary. “Now these houses are better.”
John Rubben, who spent eight years in a UN camp, said he was happy to move into a permanent home. “Shifting to the new house is a good idea. I am happy for the organisations and the government,” he said.
Mary Michael, who had lived in the UN camp since 2016, called for more support. “I am happy now I stay free in my own house. But we need roads and schools for our children,” she said.