assessment report: [khorfulus payam, pigi county- jonglei … fileassessment report: - khorfulus...

Assessment Report: - KHORFULUS Payam, PIGI County- JONGLEI State -12th, – 13th, February 2016

Report by: - Ladiss Ongaro & John Loguli Mono (NPA- Pigi County- Jonglei State, SS)

Assessment Report: [KHORFULUS Payam, PIGI County- JONGLEI State]

[12 – 13 February 2016]

Report By: - Ladiss Ongaro & John Loguli Mono (NPA- Pigi County- Jonglei State, SS)

Introduction This Assessment Report is a product of Inter-Agency Assessment Task conducted, and

information compiled based on the inputs provided by the key stakeholders Khorfulus; which

includes the Local Authority, affected communities; both the majority returnees and IDPs, and

the agencies staffers who were in the mission.

This assessment was conducted after seeing the increase of population movement and further by the request of the Local Authority in Pigi ROSS office; to help in highlight the plight of the returnees in Khorfulus Payam; and the environs.

Situation overview: Khorfulus Payam security situation is normal as confirmed by the Local Authority. Khorfulus Payam hosts an estimated 14,000population, of whom majority are returnees about few thousands are IDPs and vulnerable host population. Khorfulus Payam is under the control of SPLMA-IO, located along Sobat River 20kilometres southeast of Kanal. The Payam has remained secure and calm; and even during the assessment exercise period. Khorfulus is one of the numerous Payams in Pigi County in Jonglei where the latest conflict affected most of the Payam. Khorfulus is divided into 5 Bomas. Yiethnoi, Wunchuei, Malualbai, Apiew, Kolthok. The administrative headquarters for Khorfulus Payam is Khorfulus. Khorfulus is 50 kilometers west of Malakal and about 16 kilometers southwest of Kanal. The original residents of Khorfulus are Dinka of Padang clan. However, being situated at the centre of Nyiror, Ayod, and Fangak, the Nuer communities are found within. eg., the Gezira from Fangak, the Lou Nuer from Nyiror, and the Gawar Nuer from Ayod; all are found in Khorfulus. Some few pockets of Shilluk are also present. These communities cohabit pleasantly.



The general security of the Payam is relatively peaceful. There hasn’t been any major incidence witnessed or reported. There was no random gun shots heard-over the assessment period. There is free movement within the Payam; and no threats of landmines. The main communication used by the community is Codan Radio- linking Khorfulus with other I.O area around. From the interaction with the community members, discussion with the local authorities, key informants and observation, information gathered showed that the returnees and vulnerable host communities’ food need have remained relatively constant ; since October 2015. The elderly persons; (mainly women), children, people with disability or destitute people, in Khorfulus are all poorly hungry. There was no any form of registration/verification of the returnees and no gender breakdown information. However, it is roughly estimated that over 70% of them are women and children; and the remaining are approximated to be elderly men and boys of under 18 years.

Key Findings: The assessment study confirmed that there has been Movement of people; that is

population resettlement/ IDPs returning homecoming. It was confirmed that these

returnees are from neighboring areas to Khorfulus from POC Malakal, Ayod and

Nyirol.

Some of the returnees that moved from POC Malakal, Ayod and Nyirol came to

Khorfulus because they had relatives. While some expect to get “UN relief food” aid.

Majority of these populations; (returnees), are elderly and young children. Currently

residing in the classrooms, the abandoned public facilities; while some are

integrating into the already vulnerable host communities mainly for accommodation.

Local Authority estimates this population figures at 25,000. However, our

observation approximates the population at 10,000; this is subject to verification.

There is seriously lack of food in Khorfulus; almost nothing, apart from the Palm-

nuts, Laloop fruits and the wild leaves; which are hard to find at this time.

There is no health service at all in Khorfulus and its environs, but the health

structures are present.

Khorfulus is only accessed by land. To the south is Nyirol, and towards the west is

Kanal, and Kaldak further.

Population lost most of their assets and animals during the crisis. The vicious

burning of the houses in the area signifies this disaster. The returnees are only

coming back with few cows and goats.

The entire population lack essential NFIs and shelter materials.

Sobat River is the only source of water to the entire Khorfulus. However, the

previously installed purification facilities are not in use.

Education structures are in place but there are no education services at all.



WASH services are totally lacking

River Sobat is resourced with fish but due to lack of fishing equipments for the

population to exploit the water resource fishing is not practiced.

Common diseases, diarrhea, skin rushes, eye infection to children, common flue with

serious coughing,

Antenatal and maternity care is totally lacking for expectant women. However, the

community acknowledges the presence of the few midwives

There are only three Kiosks (shop) structures with very few goods; one of them is a

simple tea-shop.

The few traders source their wares from Kaldak and from New Fangak.

These vulnerable host communities do not even have any farming equipments

neither seeds, neither the returnees came with any.

Returnees are sheltering in the communal structures- (e.g., schools and health

centers), in some remaining unburnt shelters, and some under trees.

Khorfulus has an airstrip of approximately 700Mtrs.

When peace prevails, it would be easier to access Khorfulus from Malakal via Canal

through River Sobat/ Nile River.

Completely there is no source of income in Khorfulus.

The main source of water in Khorfulus is Sobat River.

Most of the teachers fled out from Khorfulus to the POCs and to Juba.

There are cases of unaccompanied minors observed from Nyirol to Khorfulus.

Site Overview:

This is the common family set-up (Children and the elderly) There is no schooling, No IGA and difficult access to food!



General Returnees Situation in Khorfulus: This assessment confirmed an increased and presence of returnees populations mainly from

neighboring areas of Nyirol, Ayod , and some from Malakal POC. They arrived between late

September 2015, until current; they are still coming into Khorfulus. The returnees said they are

coming back due to the current prevailing relative peace and some are coming with high

expectation to be served by the humanitarian intervention which they lacked in their places of

refuge.

Garwech Galuak Long the area ROSS Coordinator- Khorfulus; reported that the returnees started

arriving on October 2015 with no or limited NFI; and joined to rely on the host community to share

their limited supply of NFI, including common items such as jerrycans, cooking pots and mosquito

nets. The ROSS has not been keeping records of the returnees.

According to these returnees; (most of them women and children), and the vulnerable host

population within, they responded that they have never been supported by any humanitarian

services; in their previous places of refuge and even in Khorfulus respectively.

Some compounding factors noted by the assessment team that could aggravate the already

vulnerability position of the returnees include, food insecurity caused emptiness of the vast land

razed down by fire during the attack leading to lack of crops in the offing. These populations have

no shelters or cooking utensils. Some returnees have integrated with the few vulnerable host

community; mostly for accommodation support.

From critical observation, the massive razed villages in Khorfulus and its surrounding illustrates

that Khorfulus was preciously densely populated. The current safe and secure atmosphere is

attracting the returnees decided to come back. Generally, it is expected that more population will

come to Khorfulus.

Food Situation in Khorfulus: The food situation in Khorfulus is pathetic; and can be described as in crisis. According to Mayiel

Gatkuoth Lual; the head chief in Khorfulus, there is no food available to the communities and most

of the people reverted hard coping mechanisms- Laloop fruits, palm- nuts collection, and tradition

fishing methods of spearing fishes in the water. These returnees are found residing in the

communal structures; like in the schools, in the health facilities and some in the broken

administrative structures

The assessment discovered that the Local Authority had a possible land for airstrip and an airdrop

zone. Below are the coordinated for both the Airdrop Zone and the airstrip respectively.

Khorfulus airstrip GPS coordinates: - (Latitude: N 09°18’’ 24.41’’ and Longitude: E 031° 35’ 19.38’’) The Khorfulus airstrip has a low-lying runway that is approximately 680 meters, which has minimal usage during the rainy season (June-October)



Khorfulus Drop Zone GPS coordinates: - (Latitude: N 09° 18’ 20.98’’ and Longitude: E 031° 35’ 20.34’’)

The Community and the coping mechanisms: Khorfulus Boma was completely evacuated for safety and population moved to other Bomas and

farther into other neighouring Payams. Wunalem Payam, Mareang Payam, Kolaliet Boma, Daygak

Boma

Now with current food deficit in the Payam, the returnees are depending on wild fruits and wild

leaves; viz; Laloop trees- a.k.a (Thou tree), Buau tree.

For few strong ones, they are able to hunt for game meat and some even barter for other

commodities like grains.

The middle-men move between Panyang in Nyiror and Khorfulus for batter trade. Bits of dry fish

and Laloop nuts are sourced from Khorfulus and sorghum grains from Nyiror County.

Health Situation:

Populations in Khorfulus are not able to get access the health facility due to long distance. The only

health centers around Khorfulus are in Lankein- Nyiror care of MSF. This is southeast of Khorfulus;

and this would take 4days on foot. Otherwise, the second option for health facility is to Old Fangak-

care of SMR- (Sudan Medical Relief); which is a 5days walk; towards the southwest of Khorfulus.

There are health facilities but no agency for the health services in Khorfulus.

The most common diseases found out in Khorfulus are non-bloody diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, skin

rushes, eye infection; commonly to children, dry cough, common flue with running nose, as well as

‘’worms and diseases related to water’’.

When asked about antenatal and maternity care, Ms. Angelina Nyawech Kier, one of the

respondents reiterated that women give birth locally at homes. The community acknowledges the

presence of the few midwives. However, there are no records of deliveries in the community being

kept.

Nutrition:

The returnees are all struggling in poverty as well as the vulnerable host communities; both the

populations find it difficult at to provide food for their families. Based in our observation in this

assessment, the type of food noted; eaten by the general population are of no nutritional value;

which results into malnutrition among the many children and elderly persons.



Nyaboth Dhoyuk Puot; a mother of six children, in Malual Bayi Village- Khorfulus pointed out that,

there is no specific meal for the returnees. The “edibles” are eaten as they get it; be it the Laloop

fruits or the Palm-nuts. These have no balance-diet.

There has not been any effective intervention on nutrition program in Khorfulus to address the

problem.

Malnutrition among the returnees in Khorfulus is noticeable; this situation can be attributed to food

insecurity, morbidity, poor dietary and feeding habits and shortage of resources for livelihood. This

food insecurity is likely to predispose the returnees and the vulnerable host population further into

serious malnutrition if no intervention is put in place.

Fishes in Sobat River can be exploited to enhance the dietary issue by provision of fishing kits to the

returnees.

More presentation on pictures:

One of the homesteads of the returnees During group discussion with communities in Khorfulus

WASH: During our assessment we found out that within Khorfulus population relies on Sobat River for

their WASH activities. However, currently there is no agency offering WASH services in Khorfulus.

The assessment team noted several malfunction water purifiers along the Sobat River. These

purifiers were previously done by WVI- (World Vision International) through BPRM Funding.

Apart from the three old and unkempt latrines located within the social compounds in Khorfulus,

there are no sanitation facilities in Khorfulus centre. Ongoing issues with waste management have

also been contributing to serious health hazards; the population (both returnees and the vulnerable

host communities) practice open defecation in the razed bush.



There is worry that during the wet season Sobat River would become unsafe for human

consumption due to contamination by the streams sweeping remains from the highlands into Sobat.

The interviewed head-chief requested for water purifiers.

Populations generally requested for the necessary NFIs; viz, water containers, mosquito nets,

cooking utensils, washing soap, shelter, blankets, plastic mats, tarpaulins, water treatment kits, etc.

Education: Local authorities and informants in Khorfulus Payam reported that there is no single school in

functional within the whole Payam; thus children are not going to schools in Khorfulus Payam.

However, from the assessment’s observation, the school structures and facilities are safe in place.

There are hardly any teachers are available. The only one interviewed said that the teachers fled for

safety and not yet back

Protection and Gender: The assessment noted that some of the children presences were with step parents or guidance thus;

there is need to deploy Child Protection partners to start registration of the unaccompanied,

separated and provision of interim care and reunification.

The interviewed women reported that Khorfulus is safe haven for them and they feel

comfortable to be back home except for the limited food, and overstretch lack of NFIs resources.

Vulnerability: The interviewed disabled persons are all single families; who also need quick

attention. During the crisis, the wounded persons were left unattended; some separated from their

families. Like Stephen Biel Wal who was disabled, managed to move to Lankein in Nyirol and now

returned to Khorfulus; vulnerably staying alone like several other disables within.

Market Situation and Transport: Sorghum which is the common food commodity for the population is not available in the market.

John Kiel Them; who previously had a grain store before the crises confesses that legal currencies

are not in the hands of the people. And the barter trade is neither available because there are no

goods to barter-trade with.

The liveliness of the market in Khorfulus will much depends on the prevailing peace in the

neighbouring regions. At the moment, Khorfulus is only accessed by road from Lankein- Nyirol in

the Southeast and from Kanal in the northwest. Accessing it by foot is also possible. Khorfulus

cannot be accessed to or from Malakal by river because of uncertainty of security around Doleb

Hills.

Generally, there is no foodstuff in the Khorfulus meager market.



Livestock Situation: Livestock are not significant in Khorfulus. Only few respondents interviewed said that they host

their animals during the conflict attack. One of the chiefs said that the few animals that they

managed to quit with are safeguarded in their places of refuge deeper in the Southlands of Pigi

County.

Conclusion and Recommendation: The assessment team, therefore, concluded that the returnees in Khorfulus need immediate humanitarian assistance: -

1. Emergency: These returnees and the suffering host communities urgently need appropriate

and timely assistance of relief food aid and NFIs; for them to settle.

2. Health: With the presence of few health structures in place, there is need for strong health

medical agency to intervene; e.g., MSF, IMC,

3. Nutrition: There is urgent need for nutrition intervention in Khorfulus Payam. Micronutrient

supplementation is urgently required just like relief food aid distribution.

4. Livelihoods: For the majority of these population residing along main Sobat Rivers, and

depend on fisheries as a source of livelihood, there is need to support them with improved and

sustainable fishing gears. This will improve their dietary status.

5. Agriculture: There is need to support the returnees with agricultural input; (seeds and

tools). E.g., Sorghum, Maize, vegetable seeds- Okra, Onions, Kales, Pumpkins Tomatoes.

6. IGA: There is need to initiate petty Income Generating Activities to the returnees; although we

are still in emergency.

7. Intervention in WASH: There is immediate need for WASH and Sanitation Programe as a

preventive measure to avoid eminent diseases.

8. Education: UNICEF as a lead in education should step-up to identify a strong agency for

education for Khorfulus.

9. Protection and Gender: There need to deploy Child Protection partners to start registration

of the unaccompanied, separated and provision of interim care and reunification. Protection

and gender unit should also offer psychosocial support to survivors of SGBV survivors and

other conflict affected people.

10. Continued assessment: Follow-up assessment would be necessary to determine additional

caseload of returnees.



Acknowledgements: This report was prepared by Ladiss Ongaro and John Loguli Mono.

The reporters are grateful to the entire team mentioned below for supporting the assessment,

participating fully during the field activities, and providing useful discussion. The report also

benefited from comments by Samuel Majok NPA Field Monitor - Pigi County for the preliminary

preparations.

Appreciation goes to Thomas Kedong- ROSS Secretary, Pigi County for his commitment and

contribution in facilitating our field-trip to Khorfulus. Sincere gratitude goes to the Local

Authorities in Canal and Khorfulus for their welcoming hospitality and support.

Once again, the reporters wish to thank every participant; for all these came to the success

because of our cooperation and teamwork. We all hope and trust that the recommendations

herein will be put into consideration; thus to give us another push to serve communities

diligently.

Team of Key Stakeholders

No. Informant’s/ Participant’s Name

Institution/ Agency Contacts Designation

1. JOHN LOGULI MONO NPA- (Norwegian People’s Aid) [email protected] +8821651119481

Project Officer - Pigi

2. SAMUEL MAJOK CHOT NPA- (Norwegian People’s Aid) [email protected] +8821651172904

Field Monitor - Pigi

3. THOMAS KEDONG Pigi County Kolapach Payam

+8821634170025

Pigi County ROSS Secretary

4. RIEK KUOL KEU NILE HOPE +8821643343287

Field Coordinator

5. DUOL GANOUR TENY NILE HOPE c/o +8821655563770

Protection Case Officer

6. THOMAS LIEP KUOCHE Pigi County- ROSS (Field Office) N/A Pigi County Field ROSS- (Translator) 7. BOL KUN JOK Pigi County- ROSS (Field Office) N/A Pigi County Field ROSS- (Translator) 8. MOSES CHUOL MAKUACH Pigi County- ROSS (Field Office) N/A Pigi County Field ROSS- (Translator) 9. MAKUACH NYAK MALUAL Pigi County- ROSS (Kaldak) N/A Pigi County Field ROSS- (Guard) 10. DAK GUEK DUOP Pigi County- ROSS (Kaldak) N/A Pigi County Field ROSS- (Guard)

11. PETER GATKUOTH Pigi County- ROSS (Kaldak) N/A Pigi County Field ROSS- (Guard) 12. STEPHEN BIEL WAL Pigi County- KHORFULUS N/A Pigi County- (Khorfulus Disable) 13. GARWECH GALWAK LONG Pigi County- KHORFULUS N/A ROSS Coordinator - KHORFULUS 14. PUOK KAI JIECH Pigi County- KANAL N/A Area Security Leader - KANAL 15. JOHN KIEL THEM Pigi County- KHORFULUS N/A Area Security Leader - KHORFULUS 16. MAYIEL GATKUOTH LUAL Pigi County- KHORFULUS N/A Head/Chief - KHORFULUS

17. ANGELINA NYAWECH KIER Malual Bayi Village- K/FULUS N/A Community Respondant- Malual Bayi Village- KHORFULUS

18 NYABOTH DHOYUK PUOT Malual Bayi Village- K/FULUS N/A Community Respondant- Malual Bayi Village- KHORFULUS

19. GALUAK MACHAR NID NHIAL WEILAM PAYAM N/A Head/Chief - WEILAM Payam 20. LADISS ONGARO NPA- (Norwegian People’s Aid) [email protected]

+8821651159512 NPA Team Leader- (Fangak and Pigi Counties)

mailto:[email protected]





Annex: -

Additional Pictorial Images

One of the School facility structures in Khorfulus centre; standing firm but with no school activities going on.



One of the broken numerous water purification constructions; built by WVI- World Vision International through

BPRM funds.



Palm-nuts fruits commonly used as food.



The Palm-nuts tree with the fruits commonly gnawed and chewed as food.



Remains of the WFP/NPA Rubbhall in situated in Apiew Boma along the Sobat River



Some skeleton of the WFP/NPA Rubbhall in situated in Apiew Boma along the Sobat River



The Sobat River joins the Nile River at Kanal



The defunct health facility in Khorfulus…

assessment report: [khorfulus payam, pigi county- jonglei … fileassessment report: - khorfulus...

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