Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Those living on or doing business on land that belongs to public schools have been given until the end of the month to vacate.
The government said that failure to comply with the directive will be met with the full force of the law.
The vice president for the service cluster, Hussein Abdalbagi Akol, gave the ultimatum yesterday while admitting that land encroachment is becoming a headache for the government.
“They have unfortunately turned these premises into business places instead of learning areas,” Hussein said.
Hussein said illegal occupants of the school land should vacate immediately.
“For the past three years, the government has, on various occasions, issued serious warnings against this illegal practice and has issued numerous directives to all those involved to stop the illegal occupation of schools all over the country and to return lands that were taken without authorization from the government,” he added.
Hussein noted that this behavior persisted and that the school premises that were obtained illegally by unlawful occupants were not returned.
“I wish to inform the general public that all illegal occupants of school lands are hereby notified to vacate immediately within four weeks’ time from now,” he ordered.
“Failure to comply with the above directives will lead us to apply the rule of law against those who refuse to adhere to the order.”
Hussein consequently directed state authorities across the country to provide detailed information about schools illegally occupied by unlawful residents.
“Illegal buildings will be demolished in compliance with court directives that will be issued,” Hussein warned.
At the same time, Hussein applauded the leadership of the Lakes States for taking decisive action to evict illegal occupants of land belonging to a public school.
The demolition exercise that marred parts of Rumbek turned into chaotic scenes after the victims turned on government agencies charged with bringing down the illegal structures.
One person died in the protest, while two others were seriously injured.
The demolition exercise left over 300 citizens without shelter after makeshift structures built on Rumbek National Secondary School land were brought down.
Source: The City Review South Sudan
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