Improvements to Wau roads offer new opportunities
by Richard Ruati
March 20, 2010 (WAU) — Maintenance work has begun in earnest on the urban road connecting the Town Center in Wau, capital of Western Bahr El-Ghazal state in Southern Sudan, to the motorway roundabout and the Tambura and Kwajok highways through Raga.
The lack of roads prevented the southern Sudan government from imposing its authorities and triggered the tribal fighting and cattle raids.
Re-grading the heavily pot-holed road, one of the worst in Wau Town, is an important first step toward complete rehabilitation of the road as part of the Wau Urban Road Improvement Project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Workers from Teng-Teng Contractors and Transporters Ltd., one of four contractors in the Greater Bahr El Ghazel Region awarded labor-based contracts by SISP, are performing the work.
The company is owned by a local contractor from Wau who was trained with USAID funding through SISP’s capacity building program to strengthen the ability of the Government of Southern Sudan’s Ministry of Transport and Roads to maintain roads and ultimately reduce unemployment.
The Director of Roads and Bridges in Wau, David Jerome Udho, told the visiting USAID official that “The road maintenance program has ushered in hope among the residents of Wau town.” He added, “The people of Wau are very grateful to the American people for maintaining one of the most deplorable roads at the heart of Wau town.”
Under a contract awarded to Teng-Teng Contractors and Transporters Ltd. earlier this year, five major road sections in Wau town are being improved:
New Sudan Pharmacy to Kongor Bridge (2.1 kilometers), New Sudan Pharmacy to the Department of Mechanical Transport (0.7 kilometers), Mark Bridge to Abu-yasin (0.7 kilometers), Senior Rest House to Busera road (3 kilometers), South Sudan Hotel to Grindi Military Barracks (3.3 kilometers)
In addition to re-grading, two culverts and drainage along the 3.3 km and 2.1 kilometers roads are considered top priorities. At times the work presents challenges, such as existing underground water pipes that make deep grading of the carriageway difficult. However, Teng-Teng remains optimistic that the work will progress smoothly and on time.
Improvements to the road section between South Sudan Hotel near the town center roundabout and the Grindi Military Barracks have already been completed. Activities along the road are at a peak and there is an atmosphere of happiness and excitement among motorists and donkey riders alike who are making active use of the recently maintained section of road.
Fatima Genazu sells tea along the road. She says, “Two months ago, the road was rough to use by my increasing customers; however with the completed maintenance, life is much easier for me, as I get more customers.”
(ST)
Dinka Boy
Improvements to Wau roads offer new opportunities
This is an excellence progress in the South. We need development than cattle raiding and stealing of civilian properties when theft run out of food.
soldier boy
Improvements to Wau roads offer new opportunities
My great appreciation to American people . when i read this aticle and found out that the Road was reconsurected by American i felt great , because American always make sure they did good job on everything they do . And always put the safety first , so I am sure they have made great job on the roads , i leave in America and i know them. American work with all their hearts. And in God willing our relationship with American people will be for ever.
and thanks again .