Chinese firm wins contract for S. Sudan’s new capital

By Julius N. Uma

October 28, 2011 (JUBA) – Pan-China Construction Group, a Chinese company, has been awarded the lucrative contract to design Ramciel, the proposed location for South Sudan’s new capital, Sudan Tribune understands.

The company reportedly beat off stiff competition from several bidders, including a South Korean firm, after they presented design proposals for construction of the new capital, which will be situated about 65 miles (105km) north of Juba, the country’s current capital.

“After months of intensive bidding, the government has finally awarded Pan-China Construction Group the multi-million dollar deal to design the new capital. Both parties are required to sign a memorandum of understanding before work can commence,” an official from South Sudan’s housing and physical planning ministry, who preferred anonymity, revealed.

South Sudan’s decision to relocate its capital, a few months after the country attained its independence on 9 July, resulted from a cabinet resolution.
The Chinese company specialises in urban construction, according to its website.

Since its establishment in 1993, Pan-China has reportedly undertaken development, design, construction and project management for many high-profile projects. In Africa, for instance, the company has been awarded contracts in Angola, Tanzania and Nigeria.

In June this year, the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), a state-owned construction company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the southern government to cooperate broadly during the course of the construction of the new capital.

Lee Ji-song, LH’s chief executive officer, said in a statement that the agreement will encompass a broader aspect of cooperation, including mutual technical collaboration on the master plan for the new country’s capital.

(ST)