The Western Equatoria State (WES) Governor Lt. Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba has ordered the resumption of shop constructions, which was put on hold by Vice President of Service Cluster Hussein Abdelbagi Akol.

Last week, during the inauguration of the Eye Centre in Nzara Hospital in Western Equatoria State, VP Abdelbagi, after hearing complaints from the Yabongo school authorities, ordered the construction of some shops in the area to stop, saying it was in school premises.

The order was issued in the absence of Governor Futuyo who was attending the governors’ forum in Juba.

But on Wednesday during the celebration of HIV/AIDs International Day in Yambio, Futuyo directed the shop owners to restart the construction, although without much explanation as to why he had overturned Abdelbagi’s orders.

Speaking to The City Review via phone from WES Capital Yambio, Alex Didi, the WES governor’s press secretary, said the construction of the shops was stopped by VP for the services cluster last week.

“The building was stopped by the Vice President for Service Cluster, HE. Hussein Abdelbagi, a week ago during his visit to the state to inaugurate St. Tereza Hospital in Nzara County, mentioned the building was located on school premises, the press secretary stated.

Although Mr Didi did not elaborate on the matter, he only said that after the governor’s arrival back to the state, he directed the resumption of the construction.

“His direction came yesterday during the World Day of Aids Day celebration in the state, although he did not say much about it.”

Elsewhere, Mr Didi stated that Governor Futuyo, in his state address, called on the state cabinet and other politicians to unite so that they can be able to deliver services to the citizens.

According to the press secretary, the governor said WES is still leading in HIV infection by 6.4 per cent.

“Governor Futuyo said a lot of the budget in health services in South Sudan was placed on HIV programs but the activity is not realized on the ground.”