SOUTH SUDAN: Leaders Agree, Exploit Natural Resources

The leaders of Eastern Equatoria have agreed on ways to exploit the state’s natural resources, including gold, gas, oil, marble and diamond, for the benefit of the population.



At a conference, which brought together lawmakers, ministry and county officials, civil servants and NGOs, it was agreed that a survey would be conducted to establish the quantity and quality of the natural resources in the state.

The participants tasked parliament to draft laws to protect investors and ensure the sustainable utilisation of natural resources.

The different ministries and counties were asked to form cooperatives to engage in the exploitation of mineral resources.

The conference also agreed that the communities will be involved in any disputes related to land through the formation of committees at county, payam and boma level.

The participants further resolved to conduct an environmental impact assessment study before implementing any mining projects.

Lastly, the leaders agreed to develop basic infrastructure in all the counties, and introduce appropriate technology in the field of agriculture and water management.

Earlier, the different ministers made a presentation outlining the wealth of natural resources present in the state.

Sam Felix Makuja, the natural resources minister, said Eastern Equatoria was rich in gemstone, marble, diamond, mercury, oil, limestone, gold and heavy metal.

He said oil deposits in the state were discovered by Total in 1978 and grouped under ‘Block B’ together with the oil reserves in Jonglei.

He said oil had been found in Lafon/Lopa, Kauto in Kapoeta East, Paringa in Kapoeta North, Palwar in Magwi and Hiyala in Torit.

Oil being a national resource, he said, concessions for its exploitation can only be granted by the central Government.

“There are many other natural resources, including gas found in Kapoeta South at the northern side of the airstrip,” he added.

The minister further said mercury had been found in Lotukei in Budi county and in Tseretenya in Ikwoto county, diamond had been found in Taala in Budi while copper was present in Gotayom and Katire Ayom in Magwi county.

Wildlife minister Charles Lokonoi cited rare wild animal species, mountains and waterfalls as other natural resources, having a great potential for tourism and employment.

He listed the spectacular wildlife migrations of antelopes, such as Tiang and white-eared kob, as some of the tourist attractions.

He also mentioned the mountain ranges of Illunga, Kimotong, Imatong, Didinga, Dogotono, Lopit and Moriangipi, and the Acholi hills.

In terms of livestock, another natural resource that remains under-utilised, the state has over two million heads of cattle and over eight million goats, sheep and donkeys, according to the minister for animal resources, Patrick Lodinga.

“The state is blessed with lots of cattle along the pastoral corridors of Kapoeta, Ikwoto, Torit and Lafon/Lopa, while River Nile in Magwi county provides fish and fish resources,” he said.

The agriculture and forestry minister, John Ochan, said the state has vast fertile land and a good climate for crop growing and forests.

“The greenbelt region covering Budi, Ikwoto and Magwi counties offers opportunities for a variety of crops for cash, to feed the population and provide employment for the citizens,” Ochan said.

Governor Louis Lobong Lojore said the conference was important to explore ways of how to use the natural resources for the sustainable development of the state and the benefit of its people.

“Sustainable use of resources is a key ingredient for long term prosperity,” the Governor said.

While attributing the widespread poverty and underdevelopment in the state to war, Lobong said it was now time to exploit the natural resources.

He hoped that this would translate directly into improved livelihoods for the people in the state.

He cautioned that the resources must be utilised in a sustainable manner, mindful of future generations.

“We must use the natural resources wisely without compromising the environmental impact for the future generation,” he said.