Bor Municipal Council orders bus park eviction as civil society calls for dialogue
Bor Municipal Council has ordered the Drivers’ Union and transport operators to vacate the Bor-Juba Bus Park within seven days to make way for commercial development, while the Jonglei Civil Society Network is calling for the directive to be cancelled and the dispute resolved through dialogue.
The directive was issued on August 4 by the Deputy Mayor for Land and Physical Infrastructure, William Gatchak Rueh.
In the letter addressed to the Chairperson of the Drivers’ Union, the council says the land has been approved for commercial development, including the construction of shops.
“The Municipal Council has approved the allocation of this land for commercial development, including the construction of shops, as part of the Council’s urban development and revenue enhancement programme.”
The council says the area must be cleared to allow construction to begin.
“Therefore, the area must be cleared to enable the constructors to commence construction without delay.”
The Drivers’ Union and other transport operators were instructed to remove vehicles, offices and other property from the site and inform all drivers and vehicle owners about the order.
The council warned that failure to comply within the seven-day period could result in enforcement measures.
“Failure to comply with this order within the specified period given may result in enforcement measures in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of the Municipal Council.”
Civil society calls for dialogue
The directive has prompted the Jonglei Civil Society Network to appeal for dialogue between the municipal authorities and the Drivers’ Union.
In a letter dated August 10 addressed to Bor Mayor Dr. Agoot Alier Leek, the network says the dispute over the future of the bus park could worsen tensions in the transport sector.
The civil society group alleges that the entire bus park has been reallocated to about 10 business people and that the Drivers’ Union has been asked to relocate to Medan Karaba.
It says the union has requested another location to avoid conflict.
“The Drivers’ Union has requested to be given a different location of their own to avoid conflict.”
The network acknowledges the need for infrastructure development in Bor but says the current approach risks escalating the dispute.
“We acknowledge the need for infrastructural improvement in Marol area but we are concerned that the conflict over the Bus Park may escalate and thus deteriorate the apparent instability in the transport sector further.”
The Jonglei Civil Society Network is asking the mayor to intervene by cancelling the ultimatum and bringing the two sides together for talks.
“First by cancelling the ultimatum and second by inviting the Drivers’ Union for dialogue.”
The group says it believes dialogue, rather than force, offers the best way forward.
“We believe that only diplomacy can settle the issue and that use of force can, in contrary, worsen the matter.”
The civil society network says it will continue monitoring the dispute and intervene where necessary.
The council, meanwhile, says the proposed development is intended to promote the orderly development of Bor Town and improve public services for the community.
