Sheila Ponnie
Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Flooded area in Rubkona, Unity State. [Sheila Ponnie, The City Review]
The parliamentary committee for water resources and irrigation warned of looming flooding, which could spark a housing crisis in South Sudan.
The chairperson of the committee, Magot Mayindi, said the ministry of water resources and irrigation had received an alert from the Ugandan government warning that the once nagging season of floods could creep back and that there is a need to prepare for its aftermath.
Areas such as Upper Nile, Warrap, Jonglei, and some parts of Lake State have been mapped as potential hotspots.
“It is anticipated to be extensive, with Lake Victoria projected to release a staggering 2400 cubic metres per second into South Sudan,” he said.
He said, the influx of water, exacerbated by floods in upstream countries, poses a significant risk to downstream regions, including those within the IGAD region.
“Meaning, the upstream countries that are experiencing flooding now will automatically come to downstream countries of the IGAD region, whereby we are part of the downstream countries,” he added.
“We need to sensitise our people. As we are going now for the rainy season and agricultural period, we need to inform the agriculturalists in lower areas not to bury their seeds but to try to search at the upper side to cultivate so that they can be on the safety side,” he said.
Mayindi emphasised the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impending crisis.
The committee is preparing a motion to address the issue in the house, highlighting the importance of sensitising communities, particularly agriculturalists, to relocate their cultivation efforts to higher ground for safety during the rainy season.
Furthermore, the session featured an enlightening workshop led by an expert who presented his extensive research findings on the interconnectedness of wetlands, climate patterns, and recurrent floods in South Sudan.
House Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba underscored the significance of the research in shaping policies and driving conversations towards a more sustainable and resilient future for affected communities.
Acknowledging the critical role of legislators in addressing climate-related challenges, Kumba also urged participants to heed the insights gleaned from the workshop and collaborate towards effective solutions.
“The research findings were hailed as a beacon of hope for addressing the pressing climate issues plaguing South Sudan, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration and inspiring actionable measures to mitigate the impact of floods on the populace,” she said.
As South Sudan braces for the impending flood crisis, the legislative body remains committed to leveraging research, dialogue, and collective action to safeguard the nation’s vulnerable regions and improve the livelihoods of its inhabitants.
Source: The City Review South Sudan
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