Survey of South Sudan’s new capital begins

September 27, 2011 (JUBA) – The survey of the new capital city of South Sudan, Ramciel, will soon begin, according to the minister in charge of the planning for the building of the new city.

On Tuesday the committee chaired by the minister of Housing and Physical Planning, Jemma Nunu Kumba, held a preparatory meeting in Juba the current capital to carry out the survey and mapping of Ramciel.

In her press statement she revealed that her committee had already approved terms of reference for a firm that would be contracted to do the survey.

Kumba also said a draft budget has been passed by the committee for the activities to be carried out, including erecting temporary infrastructures at the site.
She also visited Ramciel area last week with members of her committee to acquaint herself with the terrain of the territory.

President Salva Kiir last month issued presidential order number 17, relocating the capital city from Juba to Ramciel.

He also constituted a committee chaired by the minister of Housing and Physical Planning to carry out the relocation process.

South Sudan became independent in July as part of a 2005 peace deal that ended decades of war. The SPLM, southern rebels who have governed the country for the last six years, symbolically never managed to take Juba from the Sudanese army during the conflict.

The move to Ramciel is seen as a move to pacify complaints of the Bari tribe, and others, who are indigenous to the area. Both Central Equatoria state and national ministries compete for influence in Juba.

Ramciel which will be close to the geographical centre of South Sudan will be situated in Lakes state but will have autonomy over its environs unlike Juba.

(ST)