Courtesy - of - www.oneofus.eu

China has granted 1.6 million dollars for the construction of a new compound for the Internally Displaced Persons staying at the UN base in Tongpiny.

The new site, located off Yei road, is expected to accommodate nearly ten thousand people.

UNMISS Spokesperson Ariane Quentier said during the signing ceremony that the new location will provide good facilities during the rainy season.

“The most important reason [is] it will be safer because we will be able to prepare the land with proper drainage, proper sewage structures, proper infrastructure, basically. So, this location will be next to the compound on the other side of town, Juba Three. We can properly plan it and organize it so people will be able to be better facilitated there with proper facilities”, the UNMISS Spokesperson said.

For his part, the Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, Ma Qiang, said they have identified a construction company to begin the work.

He said, “In particular to the conflict, 81 containers of tents, mosquito nets and blankets, food and water have already arrived in Juba and the rest of the containers are on the way. Further, Chinese assistance towards the humanitarian affairs is in the pipeline and the Zhonghao Overseas Construction Engineering Company Limited will fulfill the construction.”

Ambassador Ma Qiang said they expect to complete the work before the rainy season.

Last week, the Norwegian Refugee Council warned that the lives of 3.7 million civilians in South Sudan could be at risk if their humanitarian needs are not met before the rain starts.