UN Habitat has handed over a Flood Protection, Water and Sanitation and Livelihood project to Alel Chok payam, Marial Bai County, Wau state. The project was funded by the Japanese government at a total cost of 2.4 million dollars. This cost included projects in Juba and Awiel.

James Mabong Madut, commissioner of Marial Bai County appreciated the Japanese government for its concern for the people of South Sudan.

“There was no water here. We thank the Government of Japan for its concern about the difficulty the people of South Sudan are going through and we really welcome this project.”   

He said without accessibility to roads there will be no development.

“Road accessibility is part of development. With this road, this is a real beginning of development in our county.” 

“Life was difficult here due to lack of water and poor drainage system especially during rainy season. We the people of Marial Bai will never forget the Government of Japan for its continued support to the people of South Sudan”, said the commissioner.  

Joseph Manok Yel Executive Director of Marial Bai County appealed to the Japanese Government to set up an orphanage and schools for children whose parents died in the conflict.

“We would like to request the Japanese government to create the center for orphans and build schools for the orphans in Marial Bai County.”

 He said what the Japanese Government has done to them has gone in to history and they will pass it to the next posterity.

“We shall not forget what Japanese Government has done to us. We shall tell the next generation about the generosity of the Japanese Government towards the people of Marial Bai.”

 John Bong Marial Bai county Development Officer said it is not possible to live in an area where there is no water.

Water is life. We cannot live here without it.  This water is going to benefit about 10,000 residents comprised of returnees and IDPs residing in Ayel Chok.

Santino Mangok Akot, Marial Bai Chief said creation of drainage system has controlled flooding and that they now have safe drinking water.

  There was flooding everywhere but when the road was constructed and drainages created, flooding stopped. The people of Marial Bai are now drinking safe and clean water because of tape water constructed for us.”

Obiora Anene, UN Habitat Project Manager in Wau said the road helps in controlling flood.

 “The purpose of the road is to act as an embankment for flood control. And the creation of drainage helps to channel running water.”

Anene said they have constructed 2.5km marrum road and graded another three kilometer in the area.

The project was handed over to Ayel Chok community on Friday 30 December 2016.