South Sudan transport minister inspects road projects in W. Equatoria

By Richard Ruati

November 15, 2010 (YAMBIO) – In continuation of his tour of Western Equatoria, the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) Transport Minister Anthony Lino Makana visited Yambio and Nzara counties where he expressed satisfaction over ongoing projects.

In Yambio county, Minister Makana, State Minister of Physical Infrastructure Eng Boutros Magaya and other officials of inspected progress on 57 miles stretch of road between Yambio county and Ibba county.

Speaking at a brief meeting in Yambio county and Nzara county, Minister Makana expressed appreciation to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Bank for their support on Western Equatoria’s road construction projects.

He said his visit was to ensure that construction is done on time. He said “road rehabilitation is significantly paramount because it opens access to improve economic and social developments.”

For his part, State Minister of Physical Infrastructure, Eng Boutros Magaya asked citizens “to exhibit the highest degree of patience as road work entails gradual process.”

On the same day, Minister Makana and delegation proceeded to Li-Rangu payam (ward) where he was met by members of the area and the laborers working on 13-km-long road improvement project.

Seven road projects of concern for possible rehabilitation were submitted by the State Minister including; the Tambura Source Yubu road; Nzara Sakure road; Yambio Nadiangere road; Ibba Nabanga and Mundri-Kediba among others.

Long term plans were announced for roads connecting the state with neighboring DR Congo.

Minister Makana also stressed the need to maintain and preventing the deterioration of existing roads.

The team then visited the Yambio – Sakure 5 km section of feeder road. At site the both ministers expressed the need for more labor-based road improvement.

State Minister Magaya said “feeder roads improvement will reduce insecurity among the rural inhabitants.”

“This is bound to have significant economic benefits for local communities along the way,” added Minister Makana.

Citizens of the two counties, Yambio and Nzara, welcomed Minister Makana and the team with the regular traditional welcoming ceremonies.

“I was sent by the President to look at the roads and bridges. The President is concerned about the roads and is working hard to make sure that your roads are good. We will check them one by one and report back to the President”, said Minister Makana.

Those forming part of the team were, Director General of Physical Infrastructure and Public Utilities Mr. Richard Mizani, WES Technical Directors as well as community leaders.

At the end of the tour, Minister Makana handed over compounds and facilities in Nzara, Yambio and Maridi to the State Minister of Physical Infrastructure Eng Boutros Magaya.

All the facilities are fully equipped with highway laboratory and testing materials center for all weather roads. The state Ministry of Physical Infrastructure will soon relocate to the facility in Yambio as the Ministry’s headquarters.

(ST)