The residents of Bazungua Village in Western Equatoria State’s Yambio County have raised concerns over the lack of basic services, including security, education, and market infrastructure, which they say has left them vulnerable and underserved.
During a visit by government officials, including a state parliamentarian, the county commissioner, and other officials, Alex Mubarak Sikpakpa, the legislator representing Yambio County, highlighted the challenges the people of Bazungua face and said the situation in the area is alarming and needs immediate attention.
“The people of Bazungua rely on only two police officers, and there is no police station here,” he stated. “The community has no secondary school, and the market has no proper shelters. Insecurity is still high due to the presence of armed groups and rebels.”
He further stressed that limited agricultural support and the absence of microfinance initiatives have worsened the living conditions of residents.
“Farmers here work hard but receive no support, and without financial access or tools, it is difficult for them to improve their livelihoods,” he added.
At Basuera Nursery and Primary School, pupils shared their struggle to study in an unsafe and poorly equipped environment.
“We study under mango trees because there are no classrooms,” said one of the pupils. “Sometimes we do not attend lessons because of insecurity, and some families sleep in the bush at night.”
For his part, Inspector Joseph Juma Sasa of the Yambio County Police confirmed that Bazungua currently has no stationed officers, as most were sent to Juba for training and have not yet returned.
“The situation is known to our office. The state police commissioner has promised to send more officers soon to strengthen security in Bazungua,” he acknowledged. “The area has been affected by unknown gunmen and some SPLM-IO elements, which has created fear among residents.”
Meanwhile, Yambio County Commissioner Michael Ismail Medi said the visit was his first to Bazungua following several community complaints.
“The people of Bazungua have suffered for too long,” he said. “There is no clean water, no secondary school, no organized market, and no police station. These are basic services every community deserves.”
Commissioner Medi pledged to present a detailed report to the state governor and seek support from humanitarian and development partners.
“We will request assistance from our partners to improve education, security, and market conditions for the people of Bazungua,” he assured.
Located about seven kilometres from Yambio town, Bazungua remains one of the most underserved areas in the county. Local leaders are now urging both state authorities and aid agencies to respond quickly.
“Our people need protection, schools, and proper markets,” said one local leader. “We appeal to the government to remember Bazungua, we are part of this state, too.”