UNMISS hands over the newly renovated police and court facilities in the Upper Nile region to local authorities.
Three UN-funded projects to renovate new police and court facilities in the Upper Nile region of South Sudan will benefit local communities by bolstering efforts to maintain law and order.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) funds quick impact projects around the country to improve the lives of local communities. The idea is that using relatively small amounts of money to build or improve existing facilities can make a big impact on people’s lives.
In Malakal, the courthouse, police station and police conference hall have been upgraded. Cracks in the walls were repaired, windows and doors replaced, and new furniture provided for offices. Solar power has also been installed to run fans, security lights and equipment like computers. Working toilets were fitted into police holding cells to provide offenders with better hygiene and dignity as they await trial.
The renovated facilities have been formally handed over by UNMISS to local authorities, including the Deputy Governor and other senior Government officials.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor, John Odhong, said he appreciated the cooperation between local authorities, the community and UNMISS. “We have an open heart to combat crime against citizens. So what UNMISS has done is most important in creating the capacity for us to do this,” he said.
UNMISS Acting Head of Field Office, Keikura Seingah Braima, said quick impact projects enhanced the sense of trust and cooperation between UNMISS and state partners. The projects in Malakal would give the community confidence in relation to their safety and security and created favourable conditions for internally displaced people to return to their homes and communities.