EASTERN EQUATORIA – Yesterday, there was palpable excitement among local traders at the Torit meat market in Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan.

The reason: Sarah Beysolow Nyanti, the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative and Resident Coordinator for South Sudan was on her maiden visit to the state and the meat market, along with other development projects, was high on her agenda.

DSRSG Nyanti was accompanied by representatives from the UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes, the African Development Bank and members of diplomatic missions to this young nation.

Her main aim – to assess progress made in strengthening the resilience of local communities.

“We are here today to speak with communities, share their concerns and try to get a better understanding of the situation on the ground in terms of laying the foundation for development and peacebuilding,” said the Resident Coordinator. “Another area we are focusing on is evaluating what people need from us on the humanitarian front.”

Following a courtesy call on the state Governor, Ms. Nyanti’s first stop was the newly commissioned Torit meat market, funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), where she spent time with traders and community members who were out and about for a bit of shopping.

“Since it has been reconstructed, hygiene standards at the meat market have improved massively,” stated Alba Karleto, a community member. “Previously, it was very difficult for us to buy clean meat but now it’s a pleasure to come here and shop for the family,” she added with a smile.

Other community members agree that FAO’s timely intervention has positively impacted their lives.

“Earlier, the market would make the entire area smell. It was full of dust and animals would surround the area waiting to eat leftover scraps. But now, the new building is well constructed and has glass windows through which people exchange money for meat. It is so much cleaner and systematic,” averred Abu Hashish Siliman.