17 March 2015 - Continuing efforts to support peacebuilding in Western Bahr El-Ghazal State, UNMISS handed over a police post and potable water project to authorities in Jur River County today.

Speaking at the hand-over ceremony of the projects, UNMISS State Coordinator Winnie Babihuga said their construction signified the peace and security prevailing in the state.

“These two projects signify the importance of building peace and maintaining peace within the community,” said Ms. Babihuga. “When there is peace, development projects move forward.”

The police post and potable water project, worth $50,000 and $90,000 respectively, were built using funding from the mission’s Quick Impact Projects (QIPs).

Representing Governor Rizik Zachariah Hassan, State Minister of Agriculture Michael Madut urged the community to properly use the water project so that it would be able to serve them for a long period.

The clean water project, which was implemented by UN Habitat, is expected to benefit over 1000 people in the community.

“The new police station will enable the police to bring services closer to the people,” said Mr. Madut. “If someone has a problem, (he or she) should come and report.”

The UNMISS Kenyan Battalion constructed the police post which is comprised of five offices and three detention cells.

The State Police Commissioner Major General Abraham Mauyauat Akot promised to furnish the police station with the necessary facilities soon.

“In order to effectively and efficiently discharge their duties and responsibilities, the police need a police station equipped with enough offices and detention cells, ” he said. “This facility will surely build the confidence of citizens and ensure better peace and security in the community.”

UNMISS Relief, Reintegration and Protection Officer Bernald Brima thanked the local community for their cooperation during the construction of the projects.

He noted that the choice of projects to implement in the county was based on priorities identified by local communities.

“UNMISS decided to build police stations in three counties of the state because that was the (need the community identified,” he said.

Last week, the mission handed over a police station, also built using QIPs funding, in Wau County.