The Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Legislative Assembly on Monday began a three-month recess after concluding its fifth session, officials said.
The break was announced during a farewell ceremony attended by Governor Charles Madut Akol at the assembly headquarters in Aweil.
Assembly spokesperson Garang Deng Dut told Radio Tamazuj that lawmakers would use the recess to assess conditions facing local communities before reconvening on May 9.
“Today (Monday), the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Legislative Assembly has concluded its fifth session and the lawmakers are leaving for a three-month recess, starting from today until May 9,” Dut said.
“During this period, members will assess the situation on the ground, familiarize themselves with challenges facing people at the grassroots and return to formulate laws and update the government on pressing issues affecting the state population,” he added.
Another lawmaker, Garang Machar, said the governor had urged legislators and residents to prioritise farming to boost local food production.
“Although the situation is not supportive and there is nothing in hand, the governor has directed everyone to embark on traditional agricultural methods,” Machar said.
He added that the governor also instructed lawmakers to promote peace and reconciliation within their communities.
“He has directed members of parliament to preach peace among their people. If your brother or sister wrongs you, please forgive them, and we are ready to deliver this message to our people in their respective constituencies,” Machar said.
Peter Diing Ngong, executive director of the Wider Aid & Development Agency (WADA-SSD), said access to clean drinking water and poor education infrastructure remained among the most urgent challenges in local communities.
“The issues of boreholes and poor school facilities are critical, with many schools operating under trees,” Diing said, calling on lawmakers to prioritise investigations and present findings to the state government.