Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Northern Bahr el Ghazal Governor, Simon Ober Mawut, announced that each of the state’s five county commissioners will fund a portion of the University of Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s wall fence, a project which had stagnated for years.
Construction of the fence, part of an initiative to enhance the university’s infrastructure, began three years ago under former Governor Tong Aken Ngor.
Funds for the project were raised, but critics point to mismanagement, alleging that money collected by chiefs, diaspora members, and intellectuals remains unaccounted for when Aken was fired in June 2024, leaving the fence incomplete.
The responsibility now falls to the county commissioners. Speaking at a consultative meeting at Palm Africa Hotel on Saturday, Governor Mawut stated that his administration would allocate a section of the fence to each of the five county commissioners to construct using their financial resources.
“I’ve observed that the university project has been delayed too long. To address this, I’ve devised a plan to assign each commissioner a portion of the fence to build, particularly focusing on the incomplete wall,” Mawut said.
He added, “Before my appointment, while in Juba, I saw images of a beautiful fence on social media. Upon arriving, I realised the project demands significant effort and resources from any governor. I am committed to ensuring the commissioners complete the fence.”
Mawut acknowledged the immense challenge of constructing the university, emphasising its status as a national project requiring central government support.
“I’ve consulted with national leaders, including the president, who recognise this as a national priority. The budget is in the pipeline awaiting approval, and once secured, we’ll have already completed parts of the project,” he noted.
Mawut also addressed residents living on university grounds in Aweil Town, who have resisted evacuation orders.
“Some individuals defy directives to relocate. I’ve instructed commissioners to continue building the fence around them. They’ve been shown alternative settlement areas but refused to move. We’ll see if they claim ownership of the plots or comply,” he urged.
The University of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, promised since 2010, remains a key government initiative. President Kiir has reaffirmed his commitment to its development, with ongoing efforts to establish it as a national institution.
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