Photo Credit | Christopher

Residents affected by ongoing demolitions at Matengai area of Juba county have petitioned the Human Rights Committee of the Central Equatoria State Legislative Assembly, citing worsening humanitarian conditions following the destruction of homes.

In a letter addressed to the committee, residents of the Joppa area claim that houses in several residential locations were demolished without prior notice, leaving many families homeless during the rainy season.

The petitioners said women, children, and elderly people are among the most affected, with some reportedly sleeping in the rain without food, shelter, or medical support.

Speaking to Eye Radio, a member of the Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Committee, Hon. Jackline Apath, confirmed receiving the complaint from the affected residents.

“They brought this letter… they were brought out during rainy season without being given notice so that they could shift. Those most affected right now are children and women,” Hon. Apath said.

“There is no shelter, no food, and children are suffering from malaria and rain exposure… they are demanding shelter and food in the places they were removed from,” she added.

Apath said members of the committee visited the office of the Juba County Commissioner on Wednesday to discuss the allegations raised by the residents.

According to her, the committee was promised a site visit to verify the claims, although no specific date has yet been communicated.

She added that the committee has pledged to follow up on the matter after the assessment visit, in an effort to find a solution for the affected residents.

The affected families maintain that the demolitions were carried out without adequate notice or proper arrangements for relocation.

There has been no official response yet from Juba County authorities regarding the allegations.