Headman at Giru Residential Area in Yei River County Central Equatoria State James Malish acknowledged the presence and importance of St Francis Chapel.
He says the Church Centre has been hoping to the people of his area. Malish explained that the Chapel has made several people not flee to the neighboring countries during the war as citizens see the presence of God in Giru village.
The Headman also appreciated those who have been in the area since the conflict devastated Yei two in recent years until the peace returned.
“Church indeed is the hand brake for the remaining people who want to run to Uganda, those who went to Uganda as they reached Jeru, they look at Saint Francis everyone came to Church. Some said if other people are still constructing houses or Churches what is the reason for my going to Uganda.”
“The rest of you who are still here since the beginning of the conflict up to now, I appreciate you so much. May God bless you and may God help you in our houses one by one.”
He appealed to the Church leaders to look for ways of helping the residents of the Giru area with nursery school so that children have access to education.
“We have kids at Saint Francis here, but there is no Nursery school for them. If you have a way, try to give us Nursery school to this church so that our kids can come and learn,” he adds.
Mr. James also revealed the challenges of the lack of clean drinking water and health facilities.
He also raised concern over clear water saying the water tap in the area is for business which is not easy for people to purchase daily since it is costing.
“What we have seen within Giru here which is not good is the issue of boreholes, if we had boreholes here, it would have helped our kids here in the church. The one we have here is used for business.
“If you don’t have money you will not get water from there. If we had boreholes in the church, it would have helped the poor people who can’t afford to get the water which needs money. You should help this Church and provide a borehole so that it can help these people.”
The headman made his remarks during the celebration of the Holy Innocent Martyrs on Thursday at St Francis Chapel of Christ the King Parish Catholic Diocese of Yei.