20 June 2015 - The UNMISS Indian contingent today handed over a newly renovated veterinary clinic to the South Sudanese government in Bor, Jonglei State.

Indian peacekeepers initially constructed the clinic in 2012, but it was completely destroyed during the aftermath of the December 2013 crisis that rocked the state.

In opening remarks, Indian Commanding Officer Col. Himanshu Hatkar commended the Indian veterinarians for helping to ensure cattle, a major source of livelihood in Jonglei, were well cared for. He said the Indians had conducted over 40 veterinary camps in the Greater Bor and Greater Pibor administrative areas over the past year, treating 29,500 heads of cattle.

Col. Hatkar also praised the veterinary team for contributing $3,000 to procure specialist medication to supplement the over $40,000 worth of regular veterinary drugs provided by the Indian Government.

Bor Mayor Nhial Majak Nhial said UNMISS’s efforts to ensure cattle were healthy in Jonglei had greatly contributed to wealth generation in the state. Through its work, the mission had also fostered the return to normalcy of life and economic activities in Bor.

Noting that Jonglei had four million cattle, UNMISS State Coordinator Hazel De Wet said vet clinics had endeared the UN to the local population. “Peacekeeping is not only about putting an end to violence but it also involves engagement of the people of South Sudan to ensure development and stability.”

Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Nyang Lul Gai stressed that healthy cattle were vital, as they were a source of wealth to the over 80 per cent of South Sudanese who lived in rural areas and were mainly cattle keepers.