The Acting Speaker of Western Equatoria State Assembly Bage James Elisa. [Gurtong | Joseph Nashion]
By Joseph Nashion
YAMBIO, 08 August 2012 [Gurtong] - In the first session under the leadership of the Acting Speaker Bage James Elisa, the Assembly was concerned about the increase in cattle camps in the Mundri areas and parts of Mardi County.
Addressing the Assembly the Deputy Governor Sapana Abuyi said there there needs to be cooperation between the Legislatures and Executive in arresting the problem.
The three County Commissioners from Mundri said that more that over 864 cattle camps have been established in the state but the exact numbers of heads of cattle are unknown.
Sapana mentioned that there were no genuine reasons given for their coming into the state.
The deputy governor said the state government took some peaceful measures in response of the complaints from County Commissioner.
He said the state government was concerned of the situation since some groups possess fire arms and they threaten and loot food from the host villages.
Abuyi said that Lakes States have responded by sending county officials and policemen to monitor the situation and reinforce security.
In addition the Chairperson of Security Committee in the State Assembly Stephen Kayanga thanked the government for the steps taken to address the matter and allow farmers to live peacefully.
Li ragu member Hussein Enoka said this is the beginning of the spirit of cooperation between the executive and legislature.
Enoka suggested that the state executive and legislature should come up with a policy showing the government position on cattle issues.
“The policy could be shared with the neighboring states to avoid future inconveniences”, he said.