NBG to receive subsidized food items from Juba

AWEIL – The Northern Bahr El Gazal State government is working to ensure that hundreds of thousands of flood-displaced persons, vulnerable individuals, and returnees receive food items soon. These items will be delivered both as aid and sold in markets across the state at minimum prices.

The announcement comes amid complaints from residents about the persistent rise in food prices, which remain high despite local harvests.

Minister of Information and Communication Zechariah Garang Lual said that the state governor had met with national authorities in Juba to discuss the flooding crisis and explore ways to rescue the affected population.

“The national ministry of trade officials in Juba have agreed with our governor to send the subsized food items to the state, and these commodities will be sold in affordable prices to leverage or influence people in buying them to sustain themselves in the wake flood risks associated with already lack of enough food in the state,” Garang said.

The minister admitted that flooding has engulfed most parts of the state, including Aweil Town, where houses have been damaged or are still standing in water. Some residents have been forced onto the streets as houses have begun collapsing.

“The prices are still up more specially the unconsumable ones, but 3.5 kilo of sorghum is now being sold at 4-5000 SSP unlike the previous time when it was 10,000 SSP. It would be appreciated, and we will be grateful if the displaced people and the returnees will be given priority,” Chan cautioned.

Most areas in Northern Bahr El Gazal have been submerged by water, leading to the collapse of tukuls and exacerbating the already dire economic situation.

Many residents are concerned about how they will rebuild their homes next year as flooding will destroy the grass they use for construction.