Juba Commissioner Calls for Stronger Disaster Preparedness and Community Resilience

(JUBA) – The Commissioner of Juba County, Hon. Eng. Samuel Emiliano Wani Pitia, has called for increased local capacity, preparedness and coordination to effectively manage disaster risks and build resilient communities across Juba County.

Speaking during the opening of the Juba County Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Committee Refresher Training Workshop at Palm Africa Hotel on Thursday, Commissioner Pitia stressed that disaster management should go beyond emergency response to include prevention, preparedness, early warning systems, risk assessment and timely action.

The two-day workshop, running from 27 to 28 August 2026, is being conducted under the theme, “Strengthening Local Capacities for Effective Disaster Risk Management and Risk Governance,” as part of the National Multi-National Climate Disaster Risk Financing Project.

Commissioner Pitia highlighted a range of challenges facing Juba County, including flooding, heavy rainfall, fires, environmental degradation, displacement and infrastructure disruptions. He urged members of the DRM Committee to strengthen information sharing, improve early-warning mechanisms and integrate disaster risk considerations into development planning.

“Effective disaster preparedness is essential to protecting communities, livelihoods and critical public services,” the Commissioner said.

Also addressing the workshop, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. William Chan Achuil, underscored the importance of strong collaboration between national, state and county institutions in reducing disaster risks.

He called for enhanced preparedness and greater community engagement, noting that disaster management requires collective responsibility and sustained cooperation among all stakeholders.

Hon. Achuil further reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the Juba County DRM Committee through technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, coordination efforts and the sharing of disaster risk information to strengthen preparedness, early warning and response mechanisms.

He encouraged participants to translate the knowledge and skills gained during the training into practical actions that will benefit communities on the ground.

The workshop has brought together members of the Juba County Disaster Risk Management Committee and other key stakeholders to review existing disaster risks, assess progress made, identify challenges and chart a way forward.

Juba County authorities reiterated their commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, development and humanitarian partners, and local communities to strengthen disaster risk governance and build a safer and more resilient county.