S. Sudan earmarks $1 billion for road construction

October 17, 2014 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese government has earmarked $1 billion for the construction of roads linking Juba to Jonglei state capital Bor and Rumbek in Lakes state.

“A loan of $1 billion from Exim [bank] will cover the cost of [the] Juba-Magala-Gamenza-Bor road and Juba-Teregeke-Yirol-Rumbek road,” he told reporters on Friday.

“It may not be enough but resources will continuously be mobilised to complete the two highways,” added the minister.

Currently, the 192km Juba-Nimule highway, constructed with funding from the United States aid arm (USAID) at a cost of $220 million, is the country’s sole pave road.

Leuth said the construction of the 194km Juba-Bor and 618km Juba-Rumbek will boost road networks in the country.

However, he did not reveal when actual road construction would commence or which companies will implement the multi-million project.

(ST)