By Malish Valentine Adolfo – Torit
The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong Lojore, has called on the residents of Torit town to take immediate action in constructing drainage channels to mitigate the ongoing flooding crisis in the area.
This directive comes in the wake of a tragic incident last week, where the body of a three-year-old child was found in a flooded well at Hai Morwari, a residential area in Torit. The flooding has severely affected the region, with many homes and latrines submerged, leading to unsanitary conditions and increased health risks.
Governor Lobong urged the community not to wait for assistance from the government or partners but to take proactive steps in addressing the issue. He stressed the importance of not blocking natural waterways, which exacerbates the flooding problem.
“So, you go to the latrine, and you don’t even feel like using it because it’s filled with water. The latrine is completely submerged, and it’s a health hazard. Here in Morwari, if you try to dig a pit latrine two meters deep, it will collapse,” he said.
Residents in Morwari have raised concerns about their latrines being destroyed by floodwaters, making them unsafe to use.
“We need help from the government and partners, but we should also start by helping ourselves. We can dig channels to allow the water to flow instead of waiting for bigger solutions from outside. The community needs to come together, including those living in town. It’s traditional here for people to clean their compounds and dump the grass on the road, but this is damaging our roads. If you want to help the roads, use tarmac, not grass. Blocking water at every home and plot will only lead to more damage,” the governor advised.
Governor Lobong made these remarks during an address to the congregation at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral on Sunday.