The community of Citchok County of Gok State has mobilized 1.4 million SSP to pave feeder roads linking their new county to Cueibet town, the state capital. Members of the community have donated cows and money to build the roads and offices for the county commissioner and are now hoping that other donors will contribute as well.

At an UNMISS event organized in the area, the commissioner Mr. Ruben Mayom shared the pride of his community and requested the government, UNMISS and other partners to top up the little money raised by his people to meet the expected needs. The approximate sum of 4 million SSP was mentioned as an estimate of the cost to fix a total of 25 kilometres of roads.

“The community came up with this initiative, they have contributed 1.4 million pounds. They want this road to connect Citchok town with Cueibet, so they have mobilized some money, but it is hard for them to complete it (the total amount of money needed) so now we are going to contact the government and partners especially UNMISS if they can support,” Mr. Mayom explained.

Ms. Mary Apet, a resident of Citchok, stressed that the needs of her community go far beyond roads.

“I am urging UNMISS to talk with non-governmental organizations to move in quickly to help us”, she said, pointing out that Citchok also suffers from a general lack of food, schools and health facilities.  

On Monday 30 January 2017, the Communications and Public Information (CPI) section of UNMISS led an integrated UNMISS patrol to Citchok County to sensitize its citizens on the role and work of the Mission.