JICA earmarks US$90m for new R. Nile bridge construction

By Julius N. Uma

October 27, 2011 (JUBA) – Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has earmarked nearly US$90m for the construction of a bridge on the river Nile in South Sudan, after undertaking a seven-month feasibility study of the project.

A preparatory survey was carried following a request submitted by South Sudan’s road and bridges ministry.

As part of this initiative, JICA representatives and officials from both the national and state government on Thursday signed a technical agreement.

Mikoko Kimura, JICA’s project formulation adviser, said the project was expected to take three years. The bridge will be 560 meters long.

At a ceremony in Juba, Kimura said the diplomatic agreement was expected be signed in the first quarter of the year.

In the past, he added, JICA has undertaken similar projects in the Bangladesh, in the 1970s in then Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), while plans are reportedly under way to construct a bridge in Uganda.

Simon Majok Majak, South Sudan’s deputy minister for roads and bridges lauded the Japanese government for its contribution, adding that the technical agreement signed will later be presented to the various government departments for their inputs.

The technical committee for environmental impact assessment, Majak said, took into consideration the plight of communities expected to be displaced as a result of the project and that they will be compensated.

“It the obligation of the government to ensure that any project to be undertaken be subjected to a thorough environmental impact assessment. All this has been done and the affected communities will be taken care for,” he said.

After a one year study, those ministries concerned will be tasked to confirm the basic design of the project and the results of the environmental and social impact assessment.

Suzuki Masahiko, the team leader signed the agreement on behalf of JICA, while Simon Majok Majak, Elias Nyamlell Wakoson, the deputy minister for foreign affairs and international cooperation, Lewis Gore George from Central Equatoria ministry for physical infrastructure and Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, under-secretary in the ministry finance, planning and economic development were South Sudan’s signatories. Also present was Gier Chuang Aluang, the country’s roads and bridges minster.

(ST)