Flat tire in Chukadum

Some of my articles are not about the work I do, but about the things I experience (especially in South Sudan). Although I easily get the feeling that my experiences are not that special, I realized that, for me they are quiet normal but not for those who do not have these types of experiences because they are not working in South Sudan (or similar countries). It is already difficult to explain to others about my work, so maybe, personal experiences can help for a better understanding:-).

Because infrastructure in South Sudan is very poor and roads are often unsafe because of bandits, transportation to places outside Juba need to be done by using plane. Most of the time, I’m using UNHAS or #MAF. Last week, I was asked by #VNG International to travel to Kapoeta South for some work. It was 4 years ago since I was there, so it was a pleasure to go there. This time I was using a MAF plane. The total flight time from Kapoeta to Juba is approximately one hour, but I was on transit. MAF has these small planes that can land almost everywhere, carrying max. 10 passengers, a pilot and some cargo. These local runways in South Sudan are often short and look like dirt roads. Prior to landing, cows goats and people are sent off the runways. During evening hours, the runway in Kapoeta is used as a football field by youngsters.

Before departure from Kapoeta, all passengers had to be weighed and their weight was noted by the pilot. The same with the suitcases and other cargo. Somehow weighing always makes people laugh. Sometimes people are shocked, it is confrontational for some and it can also happen that colleagues make jokes about your weight. The pilot uses your personal weight to indicate places. Even then, jokes are often made: am I sitting in the front (or in the back) because I am too heavy? We are just ordinary people. The pilot told us that, after we picked up people in Chukadum , the plane would be at its maximum weight. MAF pilots always pray before departure, for a safe flight and for the work of the passengers. So far so good, here we go to Chukadum.I like these flights because the plane doesn't fly high so I can enjoy the scenery below me. And this part of South Sudan is green and has mountains.

After a 30 minutes flight we landed in Chukadum, a bit of a bumpy landing because the airstrip is a bit rough. New passengers were waiting and the check in process and weighting started again. Passenger said goodbye to each other again and waved from behind the window to those who stayed behind. After we are all seated, the pilot does a final check around the plane. And that was the moment the pilot discovered that one of the tires was soft. We were requested to leave the aircraft and wait for the pilot to contact the MAF head office and to find a solution. The NGO cars that had brought the departing passengers were still there. In South Sudan it is wise to wait until someone has actually left because something can always happen:-).We were told that the mechanic was in Nairobi, so repair was only possible on Monday. MAF decided that another aircraft should come to pick us but this could take a couple of hours. And there you are......at an airstrip in the middle of nowhere......with people you don't know. Did I panic? No, because there was no reason. It was still morning, so the chance that another plane would come was plausible. I had ? liter of water, small bottle of juice and one banana. Not much, but enough to survive!

Within 10 minutes, all 6 passengers (who came from Kapoeta) and the pilot were invited by the employees of the waiting NGOs to go to the village and wait there. The other option was to wait under the trees…………Chukadum is situated in a beautiful area: fruit trees, mountains, beehives and fresh air. If the village were not in South Sudan (and there was a road to it), this would be a place for retreats. I was invited by #NathanAkurejeOmadi (head of programs), who works for #DanChurchAid, to come along to the National NGO #RootsofGenerations. DCA and RoG are partners and Nathan has been working in Chukadum for a few weeks. After 10 minutes drive through beautiful surroundings, we arrived at RoG. There, we were warmly welcomed by #AmuraPhilip (Operation Manager). We were given a workplace, access to the internet (yes, even in the middle of nowhere!) and tea was made. After a few hours we were told that the pilot had just passed by (there is only one unpaved road) and that we might also have to go back to the airstrip. So we did. After having a good time with at Roots of Generations, we went to the airstrip again. Another plane was about to come and security (military and police) was arranged for the plane that need to stay behind.

My blood sugar level was on the low side, but I have a nice experience. And I met people who I probably would never have met if I wasn’t stranded there. And I would never have been introduced to these beautiful surroundings. The pilot's prayer was not enough to prevent a flat tire, but we all arrived safely in Juba at the end of the afternoon:-). For me, despite the inconvenience, it was still a wonderful experience and I am in contact with Nathan and Amura to discuss further about how we can work together.