In South Sudan’s Upper Nile region, the Malakal safe housing program is creating renewed hope for hundreds of families. Loosely translated, the name Hai Salaam means “welcoming peace,” reflecting the promise of a safer, livable future for residents.
Years of conflict left Malakal contaminated with explosive remnants of war, making land unsafe and preventing communities from accessing vital farmland amid widespread food insecurity.
Land Clearance and Emergency Shelters South Sudan
The initiative, led by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), is a meticulous operation called “battlefield area clearance.” The team works alongside the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and local authorities to clear land and rebuild safe spaces.
Deminers examine old conflict data, consult communities, and carefully remove mines and unexploded ordnance up to 40 centimeters below the ground, ensuring the land is safe for children to play and families to construct homes.
Women, like Florence Apai, are playing a leading role in these efforts, breaking gender norms and demonstrating that safety and security in hazardous areas require skill, focus, and discipline.
Community Impact and Future Homes
Once cleared, the land at Hai Salaam will allow Malakal residents to access new homes, offering security and stability. Local residents have expressed relief and hope: the program provides not just housing but also the freedom to live safely and rebuild their lives.
The security efforts in Malakal complement the broader humanitarian initiatives, ensuring that families displaced by conflict can finally settle in emergency shelters South Sudan that meet safety standards.
This program exemplifies how structured demining and housing initiatives can restore community confidence and support sustainable living in conflict-affected regions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
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This story was first reported by UNMISS. Read the full article here.
