880 returnees arrived in Rumbek on Friday to a grand reception presided over by Lakes State government officials headed by the State Governor.
Governor Chol Tong Mayay addressed the returnees in Dinka language.The Deputy Director of Southern Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRC) for Lakes State, Isaac Karkon Alajabo, briefed Good News Radio about the message of the Governor to the returnees.
Mr. Karkon said that the governor extended a warm welcome to the returnees.
He said that the governor assured the returnees of permanent settlement, refuting claims that the returnees would receive land for a limited period of time.
Mr. Karkon added that the governor also assured the returnees of his availability saying he will always be ready to listen to them.
The Governor told the returnees that the SSRRC office has planned for them to put up at Rumbek’s Comboni Primary School while others would be taken to the Way Station which is close to the SSRRC offices in Rumbek.
Mr. Karkon confirmed that the returnees were 880, adding that the returnees received food and other non-food items to last them three months.
More returnees are expected in Rumbek in the coming days.