Yei Residents Call for Enforcement of Ban on Roaming Animals

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents of Yei Town have expressed mixed reactions following a directive by the county commissioner banning the movement of roaming animals within the town.

Last week, Yei River County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo ordered the immediate enforcement of a ban on free-ranging livestock, including goats, sheep, and cattle, within streets and residential areas. The directive was issued to the county executive director for swift implementation.

According to Commissioner Malimbo, the ban aims to prevent destruction of crops, reduce road accidents, and maintain public order in the town.

“The issue of roaming goats—from now onwards—I want the county executive director to prepare a local order immediately. Any person who does not take care of their goat will be fined. If the goat spends five days in police custody, the owner will pay fines for all those days. I want this order publicly announced on radio stations and implemented immediately,” he said.

Despite welcoming the directive, some residents remain skeptical about whether it will be effectively enforced.

Gabriel Taban, a resident of Hai Guafa, said the main challenge in Yei has always been implementation of government orders.

“Our biggest problem in Yei is action and implementation. The government can design good policies, but enforcement remains weak. Previous commissioners issued similar orders, but nothing was achieved,” he noted.

Another resident, Robert Akim from Lomuku One, echoed similar concerns, urging authorities to take practical steps to ensure compliance.

“We want the commissioner and the county government to be proactive. Talking is one thing, but implementation is another. Let the police and other organized forces be empowered to enforce these orders without fail,” he said.

Residents, however, expressed willingness to comply with the directive, noting that proper enforcement would help keep Yei Town clean, safe and well-organized.