Jonglei State has redirected UNOPS to construct water boreholes in Greater Pibor area, after insecurity derailed plans for drilling in other parts of the state.

The UN agency had planned before the crisis to construct some boreholes in Duk County, Akobo West and Ayod Counties, where the work is no longer possible, according to a state official.

Information Minister of Jonglei State Jody Jonglei said the UN organization has asked the government to construct eight boreholes in Greater Pibor because the areas where UNOPS originally planned to work are now under rebel control.

Greater Pibor in eastern Jonglei state is an area with a special administrative status headed since last week by ex-SSDF Cobra faction commander David Yau Yau.  

Jody said the boreholes should be constructed in two new counties of Pibor and Boma of Greater Pibor Administration Area.

He stated that four boreholes will be in Pibor area and another four boreholes in Boma area. But he said he does not know when specifically the construction will begin.

File photo: A drill working in Northern Bahr al Ghazal, South Sudan (Samaritan’s Purse)