The 9th July 2011 will mark the official birth of the new nation of South Sudan. But as Independence Day approaches, the people of Southern Sudan are grappling with a myriad of problems that may undermine the future of the new nation, if not addressed urgently.
It is for this reason that ‘The People’s Voice’ went behind the scenes to reveal the challenges facing the new country. Once again, our reporters traversed South Sudan, interviewing ordinary people about their predicament and seeking answers from government officials.
We started the journey in the Capital Juba where high food prices are threatening to spoil the big independence party. Residents are going hungry and children are dropping out of school because the price of food has shot up beyond the reach of the common man. But why can’t Juba feeds its people? We have answers for you in this edition, complete with accounts from the victims.
Also featured in this edition is the issue of street children. In a sizzling story, our senior writer – Paul Jimbo – talks to the Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs about their response to the plight of street children raised in previous issues of the ‘The People’s Voice’ and hears about their the efforts to halt the crisis in Juba and other towns in Southern Sudan.
We also have a detailed analysis of the fight against HIV and AIDS, via one person’s story, in Southern Sudan, where culture, stigma and poverty is impacting negatively on the gains made in taming the disease. Our reporter Yobu Annet spoke to someone living with the disease.
In our efforts to bring to you a holistic approach to socio-cultural issues in Southern Sudan, we have a sad story of how outdated culture is undermining the rights of women in Central Equatoria State. Why should women be treated like children or objects just because they are women? Our reporter Yuggu Charles was in Central Equatoria and brings you the story of a people whose lives are still dictated by repugnant traditions.
From Rumbek, we hear the distressing story about the poor health services in the vast region.
And from the Rock City area on the slopes of the Jebel Kujur Mountains, we bring you a story of determination in the face of grinding poverty. Haunted by deprivation and the high cost of living, villagers here, including elderly women, are forced to resort to breaking stones into ballast in the scorching heat. It is a tough, energy-sapping job, but the locals have no alternative but to survive the hard way.
There is no doubt you will find this issue most interesting.
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