The government of Central Equatoria State (CES) has ordered immediate evacuation of all the graveyard squatters across the city.
CES, the host of the Capital Juba where the president lives has always complained of encroachment of the graveyards by individuals as well as investors. In Juba, an old graveyard in Konyokonyo market has been encouraging many households residing over there for some years.
Other graveyards along Bilpham Road have faced serious issues with investors destroying graves to make way for large construction projects. The Jebel Lemon graveyard has also suffered from similar land grabbing and desecration.
In responds, CES however described such activities as disrespect of the dead and abuse of the law of the land.
After the State Council of Ministers meeting on Thursday, CES governor Rabi Mujung, directed the Commissioner of Juba County and the Mayor of Juba City Council to evict all those occupying the graveyards.
In a cabinet meeting chaired by CES governor Rabi Mujung, on Thursday, the minister raised concerns about threats to public safety especially in and around the graveyards as well as the sanctity of the burial grounds.
Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado, Acting State Minister of Information and Communication revealed to media that families continue to report being obstructed from burying their loved ones or accessing graves of those already buried including cases of criminal activities.
“We have received concerns over insecurity, especially in Moroyok graveyard west of Juba near the former Protection of Civilian camp, and in the Jebel Lemon graveyard,” he said
“Some individuals have occupied these graveyards and occasionally threaten people going for burials,” he added
During the meeting, the cabinet also directed the commissioner of Juba city council to address the concerns raised and ensure the safety of mourners.
“The Mayor of Juba City Council has also been tasked with clearing the Hai Malakal graveyard and ensuring it is fenced off to preserve the dignity of the deceased,” the minister said.
Aligo further emphasized that related directives have been issued to the ministry of Housing, Land and Public Utilities.
“The Minister has been tasked with factoring graveyard allocation into future land demarcation plans. “We must resolve the issue of limited burial space through proper planning,” he emphasized.
