The national Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hon. Manawa Peter Gatkuoth has died at Cairo hospital in the Egyptian Capital this morning, Sunday 19th June.
A family member and his party, the SPLM in opposition, has confirmed that the Minister suffered high blood pressure and chest pain and was flown to Egypt on Friday.
First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar described Late Manawa as “a strong leader and committed nationalist” firm believer in reform for the people of South Sudan.
“He was diagnosed suffering from high blood pressure that destroys the main vein to his heart, stomach, and kidneys. Yesterday the Doctor tried their best to replace the vein, but he passed on at 5:00 am this morning, Sunday 19th June 22. I am conveying our deep condolences to his family, members of the revitalized government of national Unity, and all SPLM/A (IO) members,” Dr. Riek stated.
Riek said preparations are underway for his body to be flown to Juba, and burial will be announced to the public.
Hon. Manawa Peter Gatkuoth, 50 years old, is held from Jonglei state and serves as the National Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation in the Republic of South Sudan transitional unity government on the SPLM OI ticket.
He was also the chairman of the national committee for information and Public Relations in the SPLM-IO, as well as a member of the political bureau.
President Kiir recently appointed Manawa to lead the Fact-finding committee on Leer armed violence.
This week, he was expected to brief the Council of Ministers meeting over the controversial waterway clearing plan in Unity state, which the government spokesperson said didn’t due to the sickness of the Minister that led to his death.
Weeks ago, heavy machinery arrived from Egypt via Sudan to dredge the Nam River into a unity state.
This was not taken lightly by a section of environmentalists who are also fighting against a similar plan by the Egyptian government to dredge the Jonglei Canal.