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The company was subcontracted by Africa Resources Corporation Company for the construction of the Akon Airport and other projects, including road renovations in the states.
Local youths in Aweil Center County have resisted the extraction of aggregates from the area in a bid to pressure the company to fulfill its promises.
They were assured of compensation in the form of school renovations, hospital facilities, and road repairs, among other benefits.
Santino James, one of the residents, explained that they blocked the company’s operations by placing heavy tree trunks on roads leading to the excavation sites.
James expressed frustration, stating that the promises made by the Wunkoc Company on behalf of ARC have not been fulfilled.
“These people are deceiving us, and our aim is to ensure that promises like the construction of schools, healthcare facilities, and road repairs are fulfilled,” he lamented.
“When we inquire with the local authorities here in Aroyo County, we receive insufficient information, which is not helpful. Our people are suffering greatly, and some students are dropping out due to the lack of proper high schools in Aroyo, which is far from the state,” he added.
Santino clarified that their blockade of the road was not violent but rather a demand for their rights.
In an exclusive interview with the commissioner of Aweil Center County based in Aroyo County, he stated that he dispatched a police vehicle to contain the protest on Monday.
“I sent a team, and some youths who were the instigators of these demands were apprehended. I urged them to be patient as I will follow up with ARC through the state’s administration,” said Peter Natale, the commissioner of Aweil Center County.
He further mentioned that the youth threatened not to allow other work to proceed, citing that heavy vehicles have damaged their roads more than expected.
