Ronyi Community Allocates Land for Establishment of National Cancer Institute

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents of Kemeru Sub-Boma in Ronyi Boma, Yei Payam of Yei River County have allocated a large piece of land for the establishment of the South Sudan National Cancer Treatment and Research Facility in Yei River County.

The Kemeru area is located about four miles Southeast of Yei town along the Yei–Kaya main highway. Justine Diko, the Executive Chief of Ronyi Boma, told Access Radio that community members unanimously agreed last year to provide the land for the project.

He said the community is ready to host the medical center, which they believe will bring significant development to the area.

According to Diko, the establishment of the facility will help promote socio-economic development and urbanization.

“The community agreed to give a large piece of land, and a foundation stone was already set last year. We want this center to help treat people suffering from cancer not only in South Sudan but also in neighboring countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Congo, and Sudan. The land is big enough to accommodate treatment services and other health-related challenges beyond cancer. We also believe this project will attract development and help transform this area into an urban center,” he said.

On Thursday, Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme and the Archbishop of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church for South Sudan and Uganda Elias Taban Parangi visited the area as plans are underway to kick start the implementation of the project.

Archbishop Elias Taban said the visit marked an important step toward the construction and development of the facility.

“Today, we had the privilege of visiting the site designated for the South Sudan Cancer Institute in Yei, accompanied by Commissioner Hon. Emmanuel Taban Seme. The visit was a significant step forward in our mission to establish a vital healthcare facility that will serve the community and address the pressing need for cancer care in the region,” he said.

Elias added that during the visit, Commissioner Seme also engaged overseas development partners through an online call with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church’s international partner, Gordon Cown.

“His words of encouragement resonated deeply, emphasizing the importance of the institute not only for Yei but for the entire nation. Gordon highlighted the critical role that the South Sudan Cancer Institute will play in improving health outcomes, raising awareness about cancer prevention, and providing essential treatment services,” he said.

According to Archbishop Elias, the discussions reinforced commitment to the project and the positive impact it will have on countless lives.

“We are grateful for the support of our partners and the dedication of local leaders like Commissioner Seme, who are instrumental in making this vision a reality,” he added.

Speaking at the project site, County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme expressed the county government’s readiness to support the establishment of the health facility in Yei River County.

Seme applauded Archbishop Elias Taban for the visit and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with faith-based organizations and development partners in promoting peace and development in the region.

Earlier last month, Archbishop Elias Taban met with Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony to brief him on the readiness of the church and its development partners to implement the health project in Yei town.