Lakes state authorities demolish over 300 illegal houses erected on school land

Authorities in Lakes State have demolished more than 300 houses illegally erected on land belonging to Rumbek National Secondary School.

This was revealed Tuesday by William Koji Kirjok, Lakes State caretaker information minister.

“Over 300 houses have been demolished and the demolishment is still ongoing. Whether it is a permanent building or tukul or any type of a building it has to be demolished as long as it is in Rumbek National secondary school premises,” Koji told Juba Echo.

He said those affected were given eviction notice in 2021, but did not heed to the notice.

 “They were given some datelines since 2021 and they were to leave on 10 January 2022,” Koji said.

Koji refuted the claim that the government parceled out land belonging to the school to the public.

“The government didn’t sell this land to any individual. The government didn’t sell it to anyone and if someone sold it to someone it is still illegal and the government will not compromise on that,” he said.

The families affected by the demolition called on state authorities to stop the exercise and compensate them.

In response, the minister urged the families affected to present their complaints to the government.

“If they have a complaint, let them present their complaint to the government and the same government will answer back whether positive or negative,” Koji said.