United Nations Radio

The United Nations Special Envoy for Sudan, Jan Pronk has appealed for close to two billion dollars to help in the recovery and development of Sudan.

Speaking at a press conference in Geneva, he said there is need to help the south develop after achieving peace following over two decades of civil war. Mr. Pronk said that there are seven million internally displaced people and refugees who have to return home to areas that have not been developed and have been impoverished by the conflict.

"Schools, water, health, all have to be established in those areas where people return to, otherwise the burden on the places which are very scarce in terms of resources will be tremendous when you get new conflicts. Return is necessary in the south."

Mr. Pronk said that the other challenge faced in the south of Sudan is removal of landmines which have been placed in some of the roads.