FVP Machar says gov’t projects such river dredging designed based on ‘our national interest’

JUBA – South Sudan’s First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has said that all government projects including the initiative to dredge river of weeds and mud were designed based on national interests and not on the influence of any foreign entity or government.

Last month, the ministry of water resources and irrigation announced the arrival of dredging machines form Egypt in preparation for launch of government project to clear Nam River of weed that has been blamed for blocking water causing devastating floods.

The announcement by the ministry sparked outrage among many Juba residents, but welcomed in Bentiu. Last week, President Salva Kiir Mayardit ordered the project to be stopped until when a credible study is done.

Speaking during the closing session of the public consultation and awareness on water resources in Juba at Freedom Hall this morning, First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar said the government has designed all its projects including the dredging initiative based on national interest.

“When we make our decisions, it is not on any external factors, not also on any prejudice against any nation, but our national interest. Any project we do is our national interest. This has to be clear,” Machar who is the chairman and commander in chief of the opposition SPLM-IO, said.

He said that the government must find a solution for the floods that have displaced more than 80 percent of the people in Unity State and most parts of Jonglei and Upper Nile states.

“As we are solving the Nile issue, we must first consider the flood-affected communities,” the first vice president further added.