Juba, South Sudan,
July 06, 2021 – The Minister of Roads and Bridges Simon Mijok Mijak has briefed the First Vice President of South Sudan Dr. Riek Machar Teny on the status of major roads in the country and plans to rehabilitate them.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Mijak said the discussion entailed the launch of bridges and progress on the soon-to-be-launched Juba – Bor Road and a plan to revamp Juba – Nimule Road, which was not rehabilitated since 2012.
Juba – Nimule Road is the major highway connecting South Sudan to the rest of other East African countries and a common route for cargo ferrying goods into the country.
“This morning, I met H.E the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, briefed him on the status of roads in the country and mostly on progress on work at Juba – Road and also the rehabilitation of Juba – Nimule Road and the progress on urban development in Juba including Luri Bridge as well as the opening of roads from Juba – Torit – Kapoeta,” Mijak said.
“I also briefed him on the preparation of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges for the 10th Anniversary celebration and we are planning to launch Juba – Bor Road which the contractors have already started the construction and the opening of the Bor Road up to Bor and in fact, it’s now reaching Mangala Town. I also briefed H.E. on the launch of Jur River Bridge as well Luri Bridge in Juba,” he added.
South Sudan is currently relying on the Juba Bridge, which links the capital Juba to the Nimule Road. Constructed in 1974, the bridge has weakened. Last year, one of the two lanes was renovated and travelers had to deal with the traffic inconveniences that emerged.
Earlier this year, the government announced the plan to renovate the remaining side so the bridge can be fully reliable.
Freedom Bridge, a project undertaken by the Japanese government is reportedly complete. However, its launch has stalled.
