South Sudan says construction of key road to boost connectivity

South Sudan said on Monday the first major road in the country being constructed by a Chinese firm Shandong Hi-Speed Group Co. Ltd (SDHS) will enhance connectivity thus building unity among ethnic communities in the country.

Simon Mijok Mijak, minister of roads and bridges revealed that the first stretch of the road from Juba to Terekeka has been completed, raising hope of easing movement in the youngest nation which has less than 125 km of tarmac since independence in 2011.

"I thank the company (SDHS) and my team for their dedication to realizing history. As we can see people are starting to put up their plots, I think if there was no road here it would not be possible. I can see also farms are coming up," Mijak told journalists during a tour of the road project.

"We can see the value of roads we are constructing, they are (valuable) not only for driving cars (as) it is for connectivity, (given) the main objective is to unite the people of South Sudan, social cohesion, social fabric through connectivity, we will be now united and stronger," he added.

SDHS reached an agreement with South Sudan in March last year, to start construction of the longest road that will connect Juba to the central Lakes state and northern Bhar El Ghazal region which connects to the Abyei region near Sudan.

Mijak said they are now preparing to work on Bingaman-Yirol-Rumbek stretch.

"This is part of the mandate of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to construct, and maintain roads and bridges network in South Sudan, we realize the vision of the ministry by developing a secure, safe and efficient road network for the provision of services to the people of South Sudan," he added.