Workers are seen working on the Juba-Rumbek road on Tuesday, Feb 16, 2020 | Credit | Charles Wote/Eye Radio

The Ministry of Roads and Bridges announced that engineers have begun structural works, including bridge construction and road surfacing, on the Juba–Bahr el Ghazal highway, stating that the project is progressing under government supervision.

Addressing the media, the project consultant, Mayik Koryom, reported that construction is underway on the first bridge along the route. He stated that the structure measures 138 meters in length. Koryom noted that teams are working on the pile foundations and expect to finish the bridge in eight months.

He says work has also begun on the first five kilometres of the highway, and crews are removing soil materials to reach stable ground before starting recompaction and layering. The highway will stretch 335 kilometres, linking Juba to the Bahr el Ghazal region.

The Minister of Roads and Bridges, Peter Lam Both, led a delegation to inspect the site following the resumption of work in January. He stated that the contractor has the equipment and staff required to complete the task.

The minister called for the construction of four bridges at the same time to prevent delays. “Since the contractor has the capacity and the equipment, we need to start four bridges simultaneously so that we are not delayed,” Minister Lam Both said. “Road work takes time because it is scientific. We want to make sure the road is a quality road that lasts for a long time.”

The ministry noted that consultants and engineers remain on site to monitor quality. Officials identified the highway as a priority for the nation to improve trade and connectivity between regions once the work is complete.