Gov’t reviews contracts ahead of resumption of Juba-Rumbek highway construction

JUBA – South Sudan government is reviewing contracts for the resumption of construction of Juba-Rumbek highway, according to a presidency statement that quotes the country’s minister of roads and bridges, Simon Mijok Mijak.

The Juba-Bahr el Ghazal highway’s construction was started earlier this year, but was washed away by floods and heavy rains in June, triggering dismissal of Mayiik Ayii Deng, then presidential minister, who was the project supervisor.

In a statement, the presidency said the minister of roads and bridges met President Salva Kiir on Wednesday and was briefed by the minister on preparations to resume the construction as the ministry is reviewing contracts.

“H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit has been briefed in his office this Wednesday by the Minister of Roads and Bridges Hon. Simon Mijok Mijak on the progress of the construction projects of the roads across the Country,” the presidency statement said.

According to the statement, the minister said he “discussed with H.E. President Salva Kiir the progress of upgrading the construction project of Juba- Rumbek highway that was put on hold for review after it was washed away by a heavy downpour.”

The technical team are reviewing the contract design and quality of the road project and they are soon finalizing their work, he said, adding that “the construction project of Juba-Bor highway is progressing well and .. informed H.E. President Salva Kiir on the new strategy to upgrade the Juba–Bor road project.”

He further said the “Japanese team constructing Freedom Bridge informed the Ministry that they will be coming back to resume their work that was put on hold due to Coronavirus.”