He revealed that open spaces allocated for public use before his tenure have been taken over by private individuals.

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Mayor of Yambio Municipality, John Singira, has renewed his commitment to reclaiming public land unlawfully occupied within the municipality. Speaking to the City Review, the mayor emphasized on the urgent need to enforce an earlier directive to recover spaces meant for community development.

“It is the responsibility of the community to see that they have the right to own and develop the land, but it must be done lawfully,” Mayor Singira stated.

He revealed that open spaces allocated for public use before his tenure have been taken over by private individuals. These include areas in front of Yabongo Primary School, Yambio FM, Nabima Primary School, and even public toilets within Yambio and Masia Open Market plus others in the residential areas.

Singira earlier issued a six-month warning to illegal occupants shortly after assuming office, but admitted that compliance has been minimal.

“I was surprised to see that in some residential areas, open spaces designated for public use were occupied by individuals,” he lamented. The mayor announced plans to renew and enforce the eviction order next week, signaling his commitment to enforcing the directive.

The mayor’s comments follow growing public frustration over land grabbing and the sale of public spaces. Complaints from residents have highlighted the negative impact on schools, markets, and other essential public facilities.

In addition to addressing land grabbing, Mayor Singira outlined plans to revamp Yambio as he confirmed an agreement with a local company tasked with waste collection and disclosed plans to plant trees across the municipality to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal. “We are focused on building a clean and green Yambio,” he stated.

The mayor’s actions come at a time when urban land management and community development are under scrutiny in South Sudan, with residents calling for greater accountability and transparency.

As Mayor Singira prepares to enforce the renewed order, the community is watching closely to see how these measures will unfold. The success of his initiatives will depend on the municipality’s ability to hold land grabbers accountable and deliver on its promise of a more organized and beautiful Yambio.

One local resident commented, “We need our public spaces back. These areas are vital for schools, businesses, and the community’s overall development.”

The clock is ticking as the mayor sets his sights on balancing law enforcement with urban development to restore order and promote progress in Yambio Municipality.

“I was surprised to see that in some residential areas, open spaces designated for public use were occupied by individuals,” John Singira, Mayor of Yambio Municipality.