Governor Riek Gai Kok Launches Women’s Hospital and Secondary School in Ayod County
A Historic Groundbreaking Ceremony
In a major move to expand public infrastructure in Jonglei State, Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok laid the foundation stones for the General Salva Kiir Mayardit Women Hospital and the William Nyuon Bany Secondary School in Ayod County. The ceremony drew regional leaders, lawmakers, youth, and traditional chiefs — all gathered in a show of unity and optimism for a brighter future.
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The two projects aim to fill longstanding gaps in health care and education. The women’s hospital is expected to offer maternal care, emergency obstetrics, pediatric services, and health outreach programs. The secondary school will offer formal education to hundreds of young people in Ayod and surrounding villages who currently face limited options for schooling.
“We are laying the foundation for generations to come. Education and health are the bedrock of peace, dignity, and sustainable development.”
— Governor Riek Gai Kok
Presidential Generosity — A Gift to the People
According to state officials, the projects are donations from President Salva Kiir, fulfilling a promise to bring real services to underserved areas. Governor Kok praised the President for supporting grassroots development and stated the projects were a testament to SPLM’s policy of “taking the town to the village.”
He added, “These are not just structures — they are lifelines.”
Community Unity and the Call for Peace
Mary Nyaulang, Chairperson of the Jonglei State Parliamentary Caucus, used the occasion to advocate for peace. She urged Ayod communities to work together, noting that sustainable development depends on stability and reconciliation.
“Let peace prevail in Ayod. Only through peace can we protect our children, welcome new life in hospitals, and send our girls and boys to school without fear.”
— Mary Nyaulang
Local religious leaders echoed this call. “God blesses those who work for peace. This project is a gift, and peace is the ground where it must grow,” said Pastor James Gatwech.
The SPLM Vision — Town to the Village
The projects align with SPLM’s long-standing commitment to decentralized development. For decades, rural counties like Ayod have struggled with a lack of infrastructure. The party’s strategy to build state capacity from the ground up has gained traction in recent years, and these projects are among the first visible results.
“We are bringing justice to remote communities — not just through courts but through clinics and classrooms,” said one state official in attendance.
Reactions from the People of Ayod
The mood in Ayod was celebratory. Market women danced, youth groups sang liberation songs, and local elders blessed the land before the first shovel struck the soil. For many, this was the first time they had seen a governor visit their community for development — not security.
“We have waited for this for years,” said midwife Nyajuma Dak. “Now, mothers will no longer have to travel for days just to give birth safely.”
Parents like Thon Lual welcomed the school with open arms. “Our children deserve a future,” he said. “This school is our hope.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite the excitement, officials acknowledged logistical hurdles, including funding, staffing, and security. However, the governor’s office promised transparency and accountability throughout the construction process.
State engineers and contractors have been assigned, and construction is expected to begin in the next few weeks. Civil society organizations pledged to monitor progress and report on delays or irregularities.
Legacy and National Symbolism
These developments are not only vital for Ayod but are symbolic of a new chapter for South Sudan — one that prioritizes people over politics. They represent a shift in national priorities from war to welfare, from promises to action.
Governor Riek Gai Kok stated his hope that Ayod would become a model county, showing what is possible when peace and leadership work hand in hand.
From Vision to Reality
The laying of foundation stones for the Salva Kiir Mayardit Women Hospital and William Nyuon Bany Secondary School marks a new era in Ayod’s journey. If completed and sustained, these facilities will become legacies — not only of a president and a governor, but of a people choosing peace, progress, and purpose.
