Flood control dyke construction starts in Leer County
Local leaders and officials stand in front of a Doosan excavator, transported on a trailer and ready for dyke construction in Leer County, Unity State, on Thursday, March 5, 2026. | Credit | Chuol Mut/Leer FM

Authorities in Leer County of Unity State have launched construction of a flood control dyke aimed at protecting communities from seasonal flooding and supporting farming activities.

The project began after a dyke construction machine arrived at the county headquarters on Wednesday. The work is being implemented by the development partner World Relief Organization.

Leer County Commissioner James Kuol Tap said the machine would move to the construction site on Thursday to start the work.

“The dyke construction will start in Zoroal. All the deep places will be constructed, and the machine will be monitored by the chief, youth leaders, and Payam administrators,” Tap said. “The construction of the dyke will help the community to cultivate and fight hunger.”

He urged local authorities, including traditional chiefs, youth leaders and payam administrators, to cooperate with the technical team during the construction process.

According to the commissioner, the dyke will stretch from Yang Payam in Leer County to the border with Mayiendit County.

Kuol said the project is expected to help reduce flooding, improve farmland access and enable communities to cultivate crops.

Flooding has repeatedly affected communities in parts of Unity State in recent years, disrupting farming and contributing to food shortages.