Mining company representatives and Budi County officials during a community engagement meeting on development priorities and planned investment projects in Loudo Payam. | Courtesy Photo

A mining company operating in Eastern Equatoria State has pledged to build two schools, two health facilities, and provide clean drinking water for communities in Loudo Payam following a community engagement forum in Ngauro Town Council.

Xinya Mining Company Ltd made the commitments during a two-day meeting held from 25 to 26 May.

More than 50 participants attended the forum, including traditional leaders, women and youth representatives, government officials, lawmakers, and officials from the Eastern Equatoria State Mining Corporation.

Delegates from the five bomas of Loudo Payam—Nathilani, Bohorora, Lochoto, Ngatuba, and Chaaret—identified education, healthcare, access to clean water, and road infrastructure as their key development priorities.

In response, the company pledged to construct one primary school and one secondary school, build two health facilities, and improve access to clean and safe drinking water.

The company also committed to providing scholarships for six nursing students, two medical students, and two geology students.

As part of its infrastructure support, Xinya Mining Company pledged to rehabilitate the Loruth–Maaji–Nathilani road and the Maaji–Napotipot road to improve transport and connectivity in the area.

The forum followed an earlier field visit to Maaji by Ngauro Town Council Clerk Lopoyok Augustino Jervase and representatives of the company.

Senior government officials who attended the meeting included Minister of Cooperatives and Rural Development Akileo Mboya, Budi County Commissioner Julius Amin Ben, the Director General in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and members of the State Parliament.

Participants welcomed the commitments, describing them as an important step toward strengthening cooperation between communities, government, and private investors, while supporting long-term development in Loudo Payam.