Cabinet okays demolition of illegal structures on school lands

JUBA – South Sudan’s cabinet on Friday approved the demolition of illegally built structures on school lands across the country.

The decision came after a memo from Awut Deng Acuil, Minister of General Education and Instructions, was presented to the council of ministers.

The memo requested the government reclaim land illegally occupied by individuals.

Dr. Jacob Maiju Korok, Deputy Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, briefed reporters after the meeting.

He said the cabinet had approved the demolition of “illegal settlements erected on public schools and institutions,” following the presentation.

“The purpose of this memo is to request the council of ministers to approve demolition of illegally constructed buildings on public school lands and to return the lands to the ministry of general education and instructions,” Korok said, according to a statement released by the ministry.

The memo also outlined methods for the government to recover land grabbed from schools and other ministries.

“She (Acuil) requested the council of ministers to ban privatization of school lands and hold private businesses who grab the land accountable,” Korok added.

Korok said several plots belonging to schools and health ministries had been illegally occupied.

“The memo was unanimously passed with recommendations that encompass all the ministries including the ministry of health because the ministry of health has lands grabbed by individuals,” he stated.

A committee will be formed to oversee the implementation of land recovery efforts, including demolitions.

“The council of ministers passed a resolution that will form a committee to oversee the implementation of the retrieval of lands grabbed by individuals,” Korok said.

This decision follows a four-week ultimatum issued on April 4, 2023, by Vice President for Service Cluster, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, for those occupying school lands to vacate.

The ultimatum was prompted by the discovery of illegal structures on school property nationwide. Akol warned of demolition if the directive was not followed.