Okoro Demands New County

THE Atyak sub-county chairman, George Bidong, has asked MPs from Nebbi district to lobby for the creation of a new constituency out of Okoro county, reports Albert Ayiga Ondoga.He said Okoro was large compared to the counties of Padyere and Jonam. He said the population of Okoro was 400,000, larger than the total for Padyere and Jonam.He said a large Okoro makes administration and service delivery to the grassroots difficult.Bidong made the call during victory celebrations for the district Woman MP, Betty Udongo, at Warr trading centre on Sunday. The ceremony was also attended by the area traditional chiefs.He said the new constituency, to be called Upper Okoro, would comprise Atyak, Kango and Zeu sub-counties. Bidong said the old Okoro county would remain with Jang-Okoro, Nyapea, Paidha sub-counties and Paidha town council.“Nebbi district depends on the revenue from Okoro but much of the money goes to the headquarters.So we want to get our share as a county because much revenue comes from timber from Osi, Lendu and Awang forests,” Bidong said.He said the area has a great agricultural potential and cash crops like coffee could yield well and improve the living standards of the people.Ends