Northern Bahr el Ghazal launches drainage project after devastating floods

AWEIL – Authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state have begun a major project to overhaul drainage systems in an effort to prevent a repeat of last year’s devastating floods.

Governor Simon Ober Mawut launched the initiative in Aweil, the state capital, on Saturday acknowledging the severity of the 2023 floods and the growing threat of climate change.

“The level of flooding we witnessed last year was unprecedented and historic in scale,” Ober said. “Such water levels had not been seen in this state in decades. It was a stark reminder that the effects and threat of climate change are real, and the situation could likely worsen in the years to come.”

Ober stressed the urgency of the project, stating that his administration could not ignore the risks posed by climate change.

“Our preparation to confront the flood problem must begin now,” he said. “Our search for lasting solutions may be hindered by limited resources, but this must never be a reason for us not to work towards achieving this critical objective.”

The governor said the state government would allocate funds for the construction of waterways to mitigate the risk of future flooding on the scale of last year’s disaster. He also appealed for assistance from partners and well-wishers.

Ober recalled the extensive damage caused by the 2023 floods, including the destruction of homes, farms, and livestock.

“I urge our fellow citizens to exercise patience while we try to find practical and sustainable solutions to what is clearly a recurring challenge,” he said.

In September 2023, heavy rains led to flooding that claimed the lives of three people, including a mother and infant, in the Nyin-aluk residential area of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, according to local reports.

The floods displaced hundreds of families, destroying approximately 2,300 homes and farms, as well as critical infrastructure such as schools.

Transportation was also severely disrupted, with roads like Dokul and Akuem-Kou cut off, prompting Governor Ober to lead a risk management team to assess the damage.

South Sudan is ranked seventh globally in terms of vulnerability to river floods. Between 2019 and 2022, heavy rains and rising water levels around Lake Victoria contributed to widespread flooding in the country.

These frequent floods have damaged health facilities, water and food sources, and shelters. A report indicated that more than 5.4 million people were projected to live in flood-affected areas in South Sudan last year.