Speaking during a five-day commissioners’ forum in Aweil, Governor Ober expressed concern over the state of the burial site located in Nyalath Payam, west of Aweil Town. He said the cemetery has been left exposed, with animals often straying into the grounds and trampling over graves, a situation he described as “undignified” for the departed and embarrassing for his government.
“The look of the cemetery is disturbing as animals walk over the graves while grazing. It gives a bad image to the government I lead,” Governor Ober said. “We need bricks from each of you, the commissioners, so that the wall fence can be constructed. You can’t say ‘rest in peace’ when people’s remains are being trampled on. How can they rest in peace under such conditions?”
He urged each commissioner to contribute to fundraising efforts for the bricks and other materials once they return to their respective counties. The governor added that proper fencing of the cemetery would not only protect the dignity of those buried but also serve as a sign of respect for the community’s cultural and spiritual values.
In addition to the cemetery issue, Ober pressed for renewed efforts to complete the stalled construction of the University of Northern Bahr el Ghazal. The institution was launched years ago through community fundraising, but has since stalled midway due to a lack of consistent support from successive administrations.
“The university was started with great hope through public contributions, but it has remained unfinished for years. We must put the final touches to this project so that our young people have access to higher education here in Aweil,” he said.
However, not everyone is convinced the governor’s appeal will succeed. Deng Garang, a resident of Aweil, expressed scepticism, noting that previous fundraising efforts have often failed to produce tangible results. “Things might not work out well as promised,” he said, urging the state leadership to prioritise transparency and accountability in any mobilisation drive.
The five-day commissioners’ forum is expected to deliberate on development priorities for the state, with Governor Ober urging leaders to demonstrate commitment to projects that directly impact the lives of communities.
