Jonglei minister urges traders to return to Bor

September 14, 14 (BOR) – The minister for physical infrastructure in South Sudan’s Jonglei state, John Amour Kuol has appealed to traders to resume business activities in the capital, Bor.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune on Sunday, Kuol, said road transport had improved due to the support extended to the it by Korean engineers working for the United Nations mission in the country (UNMISS).

The constructed roads, he said, would reduce cost of transporting good and passenger from Bor to the state counties and vice-versa.

“It will be very cheap if the road is opened. The planes will be abandoned to some extent and people will use the road. When you want to g to Juba, you take your own car”, said Amuor.

“On business side, the cost by road is very expensive now,” he stressed, adding, “That is why so many goods are not here now”.

The Korean government is currently funding the construction of the 197-km road, partially implemented by Korean and Mongolian engineering units working for UNMISS.

Work on the road was officially launched on 1 September and has now covered about 12 miles, according to the minister.

He cited financial constraints as a major setback to the state’s infrastructural plan, lauding the Korean government for its support.

“As government, we cannot make the road. Making one kilometer and tarmacking it cost more than one million [SSP]”, said Amour.

Business declined in Bor when rebels loyal for former vice-president, Riek Machar took control of the town from government forces, looting and destroying several properties.

(ST).