Bentiu,— The Unity State government, under the leadership of Gov. Justice Riek Bim Top Long, on Tuesday launched a 17.7-kilometer dyke and extension project south of Bentiu in partnership with the International Organization for Migration. The initiative aims to protect infrastructure, reclaim flooded land, and expand the main town for community use, Aug. 12, 2025.

The dyke stretches from Kuerbuone along Nhial Diu Road, through Panhiany-Dhorbor, to Thowmangor suburbs. It is designed to reclaim 42 square kilometers of Panhiany Payam, with 15 kilometers completed so far, according to project engineer Tombe Anthony Jadalla. Once finished, the project is expected to protect key facilities and benefit about 150,000 households.

“This dyke is a step towards mitigating flooding and reclaiming important government infrastructure, such as schools, institutional buildings, and the Bentiu prison, which have been submerged for the last five years,” Bim said. “Together with our partners, we will continue to reclaim the land in Bentiu.”

The project is funded by the World Bank and implemented by IOM in coordination with the Unity State government. Bentiu resident Diang Puok Kai welcomed the effort, saying it will allow communities to resume farming and other activities disrupted by flooding since July 2021.

Leer county  Authorities in Leer County have arrested a 20-year-old man and his father after the man allegedly shot and killed his aunt in Adok Payam, Aug. 12, 2025.

Leer County Commissioner Stephen Taker Riek Dong said the shooting occurred when the man was cleaning a gun. “The first bullet discharged without injury,” Taker said. “When the woman asked what happened, the man responded that nothing was wrong. Then he fired again, fatally striking her.”

The commissioner described the incident as accidental but said investigations are ongoin