President Salva Kiir and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency have launched the construction of a new bridge along the River Nile in Juba.

The Freedom Bridge, which will be 3.6 kilometers long, is in Lologo suburb near the Juba Bridge.

The estimated cost of the construction is 91 million US dollars and is expected to reach completion in 2018.

The president says the government will ensure the construction is completed according to the plan.

He said: “Given the rate of development we are experiencing in Juba, we anticipate growth in volume of traffic using the bridge. Therefore it is an opportune time to have modern bridge with the capacity to accommodate the envisaged increase in traffic road.”

“The construction of Freedom Bridge is part of our strategy to support our economic growth, through improved safe and sustainable road infrastructure.” He added.

The bridge is being funded from Japan’s Grant Aid for Conflict Prevention and Peace Building.