VP Nyandeng sides with Kiir on dredging debate
Vice President for Gender and Youth Cluster, Rebecca Nyandeng said she supports the decision taken by President Salva Kiir to halt the dredging of rivers and the resumption of digging Jonglei Canal.
On July 9, President Kiir ordered a halt on any dredging until proper consultation and feasibility studies are undertaken.
Kiir’s position was, however, opposed by three vice presidents, including First Vice President Riek Machar, Dr James Wani Igga and Taban Deng Gai.
Nyandeng, who has been out of the country for close to a month now, renewed the debate by supporting the position taken by the president over a week ago.
“Sometimes, you need to leave the people to debate the issues. So I did not say anything, but today I just wanted to give my support to those who say that feasibility study must take place first,” Nynadeng told the press upon her arrival back to the country.
She has been seeking medical attention outside the country.
With her position now known, it leaves just Hussein Hussein Abdelbagi as the only VP yet to comment on the matter. Either way, the presidency is divided on the matter – three VPs so far are supporting the call for dredging.
President Kiir has the backing of Nyadeng.
Last week, the First Vice President Dr Riek Machar, Vice President for Economic Cluster Dr James Wani Igga, and Vice President for Infrastructure Taban Deng Gai asked the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, Minister for Environment and the Minister for Transport, to continue with dredging at the closing ceremony of public consultations at Freedom Hall.
