VP Taban Deng Gai - Courtesy

The government said the construction of South Sudan’s proposed new capital Ramciel has stalled over funding shortage although the master plan is ready for implementation.

Vice President Taban Deng Gai appealed to international development partners to fund the construction of South Sudan’s proposed new capital, which is located in the geographic center of the country.

Deng, the head of Infrastructure Cluster, said building the new city is a billion-dollar project that requires investors support.

Mr. Deng states that Ramciel city will resolve the problem of land scarcity affecting investors and the South Sudanese urban populations.

“Ramciel city is the new capital city of South Sudan. This is where we are going to build the new capital of South Sudan, the master plan of Ramciel city is ready for implementation,” Deng said during the opening of the second Juba Economic Forum.

“It’s a billion dollars project, we are looking for finance to partner with the government on this mega project. This master plan with the help of the King of Morocco, (Mohamed VI) and a South Korean company.”

“One good thing about Ramciel is that its design to be a smart city. The question of land, the problem of land that we are facing in Juba, as well as investors is not in Ramciel.”

“In Ramciel, you build a hotel like this one, you have aligned a land title of 99 years, not 30 years. How can you bring 100 million in 20 or 30 years.”

In 2017, South Sudan has signed an agreement with Morocco for the construction of the new capital in Ramciel, which is located in Lakes State.

President Salva Kiir and Moroccan King Mohamed VI, who visited Juba, presided over the signing ceremony at the presidential palace, J1.

The Moroccan Minister of Interior, Mohammed Hassad, says his country is committed to fund the technical and financial needs of constructing Ramciel, starting with feasibility studies that will approximately cost $5 million. It’s not clear when the work will begin.