MADANI, Sudan (Al-Yurae/SUNA) — Officials in Sudan’s Gezira state have called on the federal government to establish a reconstruction fund to repair widespread damage caused by the ongoing war, including the destruction of 3,200 water stations and eight industrial areas.
Atef Mohamed Ibrahim Abu Shok, Gezira’s Minister of Finance, Economy, and Manpower, made the appeal during a state government council meeting on Wednesday. The meeting was chaired by Al-Taher Ibrahim Al-Khair, Governor of Gezira, and attended by Mohamed Kartikeila Saleh, Minister of the Federal Governance Chamber.
Abu Shok highlighted the extensive damage to industrial zones in the state, where equipment, vehicles, and waste trucks have been looted. “The scale of destruction requires urgent federal support,” he said.
Infrastructure and Agriculture Impact
Abu Bakr Abdullah, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, reported that 3,200 water stations were destroyed during the conflict. He noted that efforts are underway to rehabilitate Madani’s main water station, which is now operating at 80% capacity. Solar energy units have been installed at several water sources as part of ongoing restoration efforts.
Arafa Mahmoud, Minister of Production and Economic Resources, said that over 80% of rain-fed agricultural areas have been cultivated despite significant setbacks. However, she noted severe damage to the horticultural sector and the loss of water pumps and tractors critical to farming operations.
Health and Education Crises
Osama Abdel Rahman, Gezira’s Minister of Health, warned that the state is facing a healthcare crisis. “Gezira represents 27% of Sudan’s health system,” he said. “But 14,000 out of 17,000 medical staff have left their positions, and nine ambulances have been stolen.”
Kamal El-Din Awad, Minister of Education, announced plans for a gradual reopening of schools but revealed a severe shortage of teachers. He urged the government to hire more educators to address staffing gaps and called for resolving salary arrears and pension issues affecting teachers.
Cultural and Social Losses
Al-Hadi Ali Bob, Minister of Culture and Information, said efforts are underway to restore radio broadcasting services in Gezira. He also called for urgent support for the state’s satellite channel and cultural institutions that were looted during the conflict. “Recovering stolen museum artifacts is a priority,” he added.
Fath Al-Rahman Mohamed Ahmed, Minister of Welfare and Social Development, described the loss of the state’s prosthetic limbs factory as one of its most significant setbacks. He called for increased support for displaced people and returnees while urging local authorities to provide cleaning vehicles and transportation resources.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has caused widespread devastation across multiple sectors in Gezira state. Officials say federal intervention is critical to rebuilding infrastructure and restoring essential services.
