The revitalized partnership seeks to formalize joint efforts to protect vulnerable communities from recurring floods by improving early warning systems, reinforcing infrastructure, and building local capacity for disaster preparedness and response.
A delegation from VNG International, accompanied by senior officials from South Sudan’s Ministry of Water and Irrigation, met with the state leadership in Bor to discuss strategies for enhancing institutional collaboration in flood management and resilience building.
The visit also focused on assessing ongoing flood mitigation projects and exploring ways to formalize cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Jonglei State and VNG International, to be facilitated by the Local Government Board in Juba.
Karem Busek, the head of the VNG delegation, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting communities in Jonglei that are most affected by flooding.
“Together with the Governor, we discussed institutionalizing our cooperation and scaling up support for at-risk communities. Strengthening early warning systems is crucial to ensuring people are better prepared for rising water levels. Our goal is to build lasting capacity through projects that empower local communities,” said Mr. Busek.
Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok welcomed the renewed collaboration and commended the Netherlands for its continued support, describing VNG’s engagement as a long-standing contribution to Jonglei’s development.
“Your investment in building local capacity from the boma to the municipal level is commendable,” Dr. Riek said. “As a state government, we are committed to formalizing this partnership to enhance service delivery and disaster preparedness.”
The governor also announced the upcoming inauguration of a Dutch-funded water treatment plant in Juba, supported by the Government of the Netherlands through its embassy in South Sudan.
Acting Minister of Roads and Bridges in Jonglei State, Jacob Mayom, echoed the government’s readiness to work closely with VNG International.
