In this light, the state made preparations to realize this potential through passing an investment law for encouraging national and foreign investment. This law is already proving fruitful as it has led to commencing the construction of the cement factory and Wadi Kaya sugar factory. In addition; a huge industrial city by the name of Albahair will be fully established in 20 years with a plan to build 3569 factories in it. Sudan Vision interviewed the governor of South Darfur Hammad Ismail Hammad to explore the different issues, challenges, and ambitions of the state.

 

A: Each ministry devised its plans and specified its priorities and the state formulated its plans accordingly. On the top of the list of plans of state this year is stabilizing security because it is the common denominator for any work and also for development. We make sure that there is full coordination between the Armed Forces and security forces we have here and involve the citizens as well in implementation of the emblem "Security is everyone's responsibility". The result of such coordination was evident this autumn where in every neighborhood and town people felt safe while animals couldn't be taken to where grazing areas are and that led to losing large numbers of animals.

Another priority is reinstating voluntary work and NGOs in the state of varieties. Voluntary work and NGOs are also in need of security; and that is why a security committee headed by the mayor of Nyala has been formed and was hugely successful in controlling the situation and providing security. The roles usually played by different folk leaders have also been activated and they are extremely effective in deterring rebels and driving back armed movements.

A: Utilizing the state's resources is one of the most important state programs ever on all levels and that is why investment is encouraged to ensure the different planned projects will be implemented. One of the ways through which resources can be utilized is by encouraging investment and therefore the state established an investment commission and passed the law that organizes its practice. The commission formulated a plan to display the investment opportunities available in the state. Also; the 2nd Nyala Investment Fair will kick off on March 7 with the participation of more than 150 domestic and international companies and a number of neighboring countries have been invited including Chad, Egypt, Libya, and Central African Republic. The fair will be under the patronage of the first vice president and will be attended by the Sudanese and Egyptian investment ministers.

A: A number of procedures were put in effect to activate the control of revenues; some of which are administrative. Also; any revenues collected must be through receipt 15. Any spending outside the treasury was banned to stop any contraventions that lead to undermining national economy and to minimize the leaking of public funds. These procedures have helped control spending in a way with which the state is no longer in need of forming a commission to fight corruption. There is some corruption in the state but now that these procedures are in effect corruption has been minimized to a small degree. An example of these procedures is the ones taken to give salaries to government employees to avert paying salaries to any unregistered persons. Implementing laws activating them directly leads to eradicating corruption in its general form.

A: The state has recently passed a law that facilitates the work of investors and protects them against any contraventions; especially in regard to land. The law was passed in response to the directive of the federal cabinet which stated that the states plan land as one of the most revenue-generating resources; especially when sold as housing plots. The state's plans are in effect and they enabled the state to gain several contracts with a number of Sudanese and international companies. Also, 17 investment funds were established in 17 banks to help with the implementation of several projects including public parks and open entertainment spaces.

A: A number of plans and programs were devised to transform Niyala into a worthy capital of the state. In addition; a stock exchange is now under development to match that of Damazein; especially considering that Niyala is the second largest trading city following Khartoum; such a position renders the city in great need for a stock exchange center. Another plan is to construct a land port for trading vehicles and travel buses. There is also a plan to establish an advanced free zone modeled after the federal Sudanese free zones, in cooperation with the federal administration of free zones.

A: There are a number of projects:  building new languages at Nyala airport, building the Wadi Kaya sugar factory in Wadi Kaboon locality which is expected to meet the needs of the citizens of all the states of Darfur with a surplus for export, building Albahair Industrial city in the southern suburb of Albahair with an area of 12 million square meters in which 7 sectors will be built and modeled after mega industrial cities such as October 6 industrial city in Egypt and Algibail in Saudi Arabia.

In the infrastructure field; a plan was made to construct several bridges to support the only bridge we now have in Nyala, Mecca bridge to facilitate access among different parts of the state and cities; especially that now the Turkish hospital is open and there are also the slighter house, the numerous organizations in the area which necessitate the presence of more bridges.

Another project is the establishment of Alromalia Dam which will supply Nyala with water. The feasibility is now complete and the project will be established in 2013. A cement factory project is now under construction to exploit the available raw material in the state; but we are in need of investors to help finish the project.

A: Despite the vast area of the state there is only one road; the Nyala, Kaas, Zalenji road. We are currently working on completing the construction of the road to reach all the way through Ed Alfirsan and Rehaid Albardi.

We have a plan to connect all the cepaitals of localities with the state capital such the Nyala Abu Giraida Buram raod, Nyala Abu Ajoora, Talas road and Nyala Barshan, Kubum raod. The implementation of one these roads might be started in 2014.

A: Internal roads and bridges are implemented by the local funds and resources of the state such as land and investment. Some projects are implemented by the DRA, and others are implemented through the partnership system.

A: Nyala city is located on and surrounded by Bizment rocks on all sides. The closest area with potential for digging underground water wells is Hood Albagarra which is 80 kilometers south of Niyala. Niyala is a city with citizens in the millions and with industrial plants such as leather industries and it is in need for huge water supplies. The Hood Albagarra water project stopped because it was implemented by a Chinese loan that was ceased due to the fact that its collateral was lost, oil revenues. Now, there is a committee formed by the ministry of finance looking into the project and the possibilities such as keeping the contract with the current company or replacing it with may be a Sudanese company. One well of 25 is now dug and if the project is completed it will guarantee 40% of Nyala water needs.

 

Another source Nyala counts on for supplying water is Wadi Nyala where all the wells currently supplying Nyala with water are and several refineries were established to purify water.

 

A third source is the immersed and hand pumps used near Alromalia Dam.

 

These sources will guarantee if not 100%, then most of Nyala's water needs. Last summer a campaign was launched in cooperation with UNAMID, UN agencies, and government institutions to work on the water supply sources and 10 wells were dug as a result.

By Hana Abdul Hai