Pakwach: Lake Albert floods submerge homes and commercial buildings

PAKWACH, November 11, 2024 — Flooding caused by rising water levels in Lake Albert has submerged homes and commercial buildings in Panyimur Town Council, Pakwach district, leaving residents and business owners in distress.

Properties located within 200 metres of the lake’s shoreline have been inundated, with many residents unsure of where to seek refuge.

Genaro Muswa Madit-wun, a prominent businessman in Panyimur Town Council, lamented the destruction of his commercial property by the floods. “My business is completely submerged,” he said.

Another local businessman, Richard Lacere, shared similar concerns. His hardware shop is now underwater, and he fears he may be unable to meet his family’s needs or repay outstanding debts as his business has been disrupted.

“I have 10 children who are in school, but paying their school fees has become impossible since the water levels began rising abruptly in 2021. This has impacted all local businesses,” Lacere explained. He appealed to the government for financial support to help residents and business owners restart their livelihoods.

Moses Dalili, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Pakwach, confirmed that multiple businesses and infrastructure along the buffer zones of both Lake Albert and the River Nile have been submerged. He also revealed that three government-aided primary schools—Owere, Ocayo, and Pakwinyo—have been flooded, forcing students to remain at home.

Dalili added that economic activities at local landing sites have come to a standstill. Panyimur Fish Market, a key source of local revenue, has been closed due to the flooding. “The district has recognised the severity of the situation and has sent notifications to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), while we remain on standby to provide further updates,” Dalili said.

Paul Kinobe, Chairman of the Panyimur Business Community, called on the government to assess the damage and provide assistance, particularly in the form of soft loans to help business owners recover. “About 60 percent of businesses along the shores of Lake Albert and the River Nile in Pakwach District and Panyimur Town Council are no longer operational due to the rising water levels,” Kinobe said.

https://thecooperator.news/l-albert-floods-submerge-shs-1bn-modern-fish-market-in-panyimur/

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