Transport Minister launches Malakal-Nasser-Jekou road reconstruction

By Richard Ruati

November 23, 2010 – The Government of Southern Sudan’s (GOSS)largest road rehabilitation initiative, the Malakal-Nasser-Jekou 250-km trunk road, was launched by Minister of Transport and Roads, Anthony Lino Makana, on Saturday in Malakal, Upper Nile state.

The extensive road project is being funded by the government of southern Sudan. It will focus on the upgrading of major and parochial roads, the construction and repair of bridges, retaining walls and drains over the next few years.

Speaking at the launch, Makana lauded the contractors’ efforts in mobilizing the roadworks.

The 250-km road reconstruction project has been awarded to two companies, Sudanese based Eyat Bridges and Roads Company, and Ethiopia based Double Alfa Company.

He said that under the GOSS, “roads that are in greatest need will be prioritized”, adding that “emphasis will be placed on the maintenance of some roads, especially those in areas such as Malakal which records the second highest muddy soils in Sudan.”

However, Upper Nile state still faces high prices of construction materials like sand and murram/gravel, not naturally found in Malakal, which results in high transportation costs from merchants importing them from Khartoum or Juba.

Makana explained that, “the road is very vital and it will link southern Sudan with Ethiopia, stimulating trade and socio economical activities between the two countries.” He added that, “the road will also link port of Djibouti to Sudan; Djibouti is nearer to Sudan than Kenya’s Mombasa.”

Ethiopia has had already constructed a tarmac road to the border of Sudan.

This is Southern Sudan’s longest international highway road project linking to another country. According to Makana, the “GOSS plans to construct another second longest road (335-km) in Eastern Equatoria close to the border of Kenya namely: Kapoeta-Narus-Boma respectively.”

He said that this is necessary to ensure that the “correct approach” is taken with the reconstruction of the road.

Stating that government was “rising to the occasion” to improve road access, which is a part of their vision, the Minister said that the Government would not neglect any part of the people’s need.

“Let us therefore build the people’s road, for the future of the people,” he stated.

He cautioned that the projects would take some time, as all the funds needed could not be allocated in one financial year.

Makana asked that, “beneficiary communities”, which include “the Nuer, Shilluk and Dinka tribes, unite and bring peace and harmonization.”

He was accompanied by two GOSS Ministers: David Deng Athorbei, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning and Dr. Cirino Hiteng, Minister in the office of the President. Makana was received by Lt. General Simon Kun Puoch, Governor – Upper Nile state and state Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Public Utilities Kun Minylang Ding.

In his address, Governor Kun, said it was “one of his proudest moment,” fulfilling his commitments to the people by attending to the needs of the people.

Governor Kun said “the Malakal-Nasser-Jekou road was one of the most significant and far-reaching road construction that the country had ever seen, and he was happy that Upper Nile was at the top of the list.”

He called on the residents to take advantage of “this momentous occasion”, and work together to ensure the program’s success.

Furthermore Makana said contractors are also committed to preserving the natural habitat as “best as possible”, as they execute the project.

He stressed that “the initiative aims to improve driver comfort, road safety and the capacity of roads to accommodate high volumes of traffic. He added that “all the roads that are repaired will receive an extensive maintenance program.”

“This will ensure that the people benefit from the improved infrastructure for a long time,” he said.

(ST)