15,000 Troops To Be Deployed In Warrap, Lakes And Unity States

Lakes State citizens with various armed forces in a past event at Rumbek freedom square [©Gurtong]

By Gabriel Mayom
RUMBEK, 4th August, 2011 [Gurtong] – The Republic of South Sudan plans to deploy a total of 15, 000 armed forces to Lakes, Warrap and Unity States with the aim of quelling insecurity in these regions, Lakes State Governor Hon Chol Tong Mayay has confirmed.

Governor Chol was speaking in his office upon arrival from Juba after spending two weeks of consultation with President Salva Kiir together with other Governors. He confirmed that out of the 15,000 SPLA soldiers, Lakes State will receive 6,000 soldiers, Warrap State with 5,000 soldiers while Unity State will be served by 4,000 armed soldiers.

He said that this was one of the resolutions of the meeting between Governors of the three States and the South Sudan Army Commander, the Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chief for Operations in Juba.

Hon. Chol reaffirmed that the deployment is to cover all Bomas and Payams as well as borders of the three States without any compromise. He added that security was the priority in his Government because the implementation of developmental projects requires peace and security.

The Governor reiterated his government’s desire to embark on service delivery while insisting on the need to arrest criminals. He urged perpetrators of previous crimes who are still at large to surrender themselves to the security officers.

The Governor also talked tough about non-performing government officials, he clarified that laziness, corruption and attempts to sabotage the government system will not be tolerated no matter the position of the officer.

The citizens of Lakes State have often-times asked when the government will deliver the many promises made during different public forums, among them provision of electricity to the inhabitants of Rumbek Township, clean water, schools, health centers among others.