Lily Albino Akol, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. (Dolku Media)

The Economic Cluster chaired by Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga approved 402 million US dollars on Wednesday to construct Juba-Lobonok Road in Central Equatoria State.

The cluster approved the proposed budget following a memo presented by Minister of Finance Marial Dongrin during the deliberation chaired by Dr. Igga.

The infrastructure project is set to be funded through a loan from Shamrock Global Group.

According Lily Albino, who doubles as the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and spokesperson of the cluster, the road construction will enhance connectivity between Juba and Lobonok, improving transportation and facilitating economic activities in the region including agriculture.

The Economic Cluster gave preliminary approval for the loan proposal, agreeing that it can now be submitted to the Council of Ministers for further discussions and final approval.

“The loan facility that by Ministry of Finance is pursuing is at the amount of 402 million US dollars,” she said to state-owned television SSBC.

“This is given the importance of this road, the connectivity that it will provide, and also encouraging agricultural production, as well as providing more job opportunities.”

“The economic cluster, in principle agreed that the loan proposal can be tabled to the council of ministries for further deliberations and the final approval.”

Lobonok and surrounding areas have since been cut off from Juba during rainy season after the Kit Bridge collapsed in 2013.

Deputy Minister Lily said the proposed budget will be tabled before the council of ministers for further deliberation and consideration.