The Kingdom of Netherlands has handed over a newly constructed milk handling facility to a cooperative society group in Rumbek, Lakes State.

The facility handed to the Akon Buoi Cooperative Society group was funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Town Mayor of Rumbek Municipality, Akol Paul Manyang welcomed the support from the Dutch government, saying the contribution it has made to the Akon Buoi milk cooperative society was so great.

“We are happy for the support you have given to our local communities,” he said. “As a government of Lakes State, we provided this land to our dear communities such that they can carry out their day-to-day businesses.”

Manyang noted that the government of Lakes State and Rumbek municipality have declared tax exemption for the women to support their businesses.

“I am monitoring as a town mayor in Rumbek municipality to implement the law in the market,” he said.

The First Secretary of the Embassy Kingdom of the Netherlands, Vuren Arend Van, said he was happy to be in Rumbek to commission the new milk facility.

“We are working together as a community, and challenges can be overcome, and of course, this facility is more than a structure,” he said

“I have understood that they have to walk long distances under the hot sun to come and sell their milk. Now, this is their sale point, where they will sell their quality of milk away from the scorching sun and for their milk to be tested so that it can be safer for consumption.

Andrea Bianchessi, Regional Manager of AVASI foundation said he was very happy to celebrate the opening of the milk factory.

“I would like to thank our mothers, who are here. It is also really important that this cooperative is a sign of our commitment. Thanks to the sponsors for the support and empowerment. Since you are now empowered, you will be able to make a decision and pursue your decisions,” he said.

He said AVASI is supporting 1000 to 8000 small farmers in Cueibet and Wulu Counties, as well as in Rumbek.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture, Poth Majak Daljang commended the embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands for their support to their implementing partner AVASI.

“To our implementing partner AVASI, you assessed the market. There is no partner given a location like what the Rumbek municipal council has done. They have given you the best place,” he said.

“We are working together as a community, and challenges can be overcome, and of course, this facility is more than a structure,” the First Secretary of the Embassy Kingdom of the Netherlands, Vuren Arend Van.