The proper use of natural resources apart from oil could realize prosperity if appropriate strategies were implemented.
This was the view of the Director of Women Group Association in Wau, Rabha Alis Bandas, on the occasion of the International Day for Poverty Eradication, Voice of Hope reported.
She explained that South Sudan was gifted with large fertile land and forestry reserves that are still untapped.
Ms Alis lamented that lack of proper plans and strategies put the country among the poorest nations due to overreliance on oil revenues.
She added that some non-oil producing countries are well developed because of proper exploitation of other natural resources.
Ms Alis called for mature management of non-oil sectors in order to boost the economic situation of South Sudan.
Western Bahr El Ghazal state minister for Agriculture Adel Atanasio Surur said the state was rich with forests, animals and fishery resources.
He called for regulations of state resources especially forestry.
Dr Atanasio said citizens’ ignorance to preserve the environment and natural resources contributed greatly to damage what he termed ‘South Sudan’s treasures.’
He disclosed that the government was now putting up measures to protect forest.