Heavy rain destroys 17 houses in Juba
Heavy rainfall and storms washed away 17 homes on Monday, September 10, leaving more than 60 people homeless. Bridges were destroyed and electricity poles were flattened during four hours of rains in the Munuki area of Juba. Officials said no dead bodies were found.
At least 15 people are believed dead and thousands displaced from flooding on fast-flowing rivers caused by heavy rains in other parts of South Sudan.
Among those affected in Juba, South Sudan’s well-known reggae artists Emmanuel Kembe, also lost his home.
Minister Francis Barson speaks to EZRA Manager Samson Tekia in his office.
The victims blamed the EZRA construction and Development Company for the loss of their houses, saying the company diverted the rain water, sending it towards their homes.
Wilson Monday, Deputy Chairman of Dar-el Salam area, said there were no cases of destruction of houses by running rain water before the company moved to the area.
He added that residents had alerted the company to the potential danger prior to the rains.
Wilson said, the community insists that the company reconstructs houses and finds a way for the water to flow away from the residential area.
In the meantime, many have been forced to find alternative accommodation. I am thankful to god that it didn’t rain at night. Then it would have killed more than 30 people, especially children and women,” said Barnaba Kilo, who was among those who lost property.
Francis Barson, Central Equatoria State Ministry of Physical Infrastructure, ordered the EZRA Company to divert the river before the next rain comes.
Stephen Ladu, Deputy Chairman of anti-corruption, said his team will investigate whether the company kept within the law.
Samson Tekia, Manager of EZRA Company, told officials that the company had agreed with comments by the community members, but said nobody would accept the water running close to their home.
Samson agreed in the presence of the minister to divert the rainwater elsewhere within the period of one week.
