By Ater Yuot R. Amogpai
In the last article titled “the economic benefits of
newly established 28 states” we discussed the economic benefits of 28 states.
We reviewed with detailed the available natural resources in each state and how
to enhance them. Potential result was that jobs will be created as industries are
established. The projection then showed that economic situation will be
improved gradually with production adaptation.
In this article, we will discuss the challenges that
are facing each state so as to establish a strong economic and creation of jobs
and income generation.
Security has widely proved as the main challenge and
priority of each state in South Sudan. Many disputes have already appeared
between different states. To pick some examples, dispute between Eastern Nile
State and Western Nile State (now Fashoda State)Tonj State, Raja State etc. However,
the serious one was still and that between Fashoda State and Eastern Nile State.
Precisely, the dispute was focusing on Malakal identity the largest town in
Upper Nile region.
Many reviewed 28 states as ethnic based established states,
therefore, something group have already started demanded separate states. Sometimes,
the rivalry between different ethnic groups went destruction rather than
constructive in one state.
It is expected that the current number of 28 states
will increase, since many applications are already lying on the President
Office desk. It looks like most of these applications if not all of them will
be accepted.
The absent of transportation network, such as roads,
adequate airports, river transportation placed a real challenge on development
spark. Telecommunications and internet network is not less important than
transportation network. This make it difficult to goods mobility between states
as well as deepened and increase security challenge across states.
Modernization started with proper access to
electricity. Electricity access across South Sudan states is characterized with
poor quality or not available at all. It is not possible to established industries
without electric power.
A committee to be formed mainly to disputes states
to address their problems. The committee may include experts (foreigners) to
identify and demarcate borders between states, local leaders from disputes
states, security experts, etc.
To start, each state should first give priority to road
network construction. If each state does so, a whole country will be connected
with paved roads.
Each state may start enhancing their energy resource
to build electric power station. Some states, such as that of eastern part of
Equatoria and far western Bahr el Ghazal states have hydro-power sites which
can be used to build mini-hydro-power plants. Upper Nile states could enhance
crude oil to produce electricity. Then after, the national grid will be ringed
from these network.
All South Sudanese should now work to restore peace.
This will secure free mind to think properly toward development. This is a
collective work to each citizen at his/her location to contribute and bring our
country to calm and safety.
