River Naam streches from Northern Bahr el Ghazal via Unity State to Lake No

The Vice President for Infrastructure Cluster, Taban Deng Gai, said the cleaning of River Naam in Unity State, which has been dubbed to improve river transport, is near completion.

“River transport is very essential and cheaper means of movement of goods and people. The cleaning of river Naam from Bentiu to Lake No is progressing well and is about completion,” he announced.

Deng made the remarks during the second edition of the Juba Economic Forum on Monday morning.

VP Deng said the first phase of the project started from Bentiu to Lake No while the second phase will start from Bentiu to Machar-Achol in Warrap state.

“After the completion of this phase, we will embark on the second phase, from Bentiu up to Macharachol in Warrap State after that goods and people can easily move by badges from Renk up to Macharachol.”

“Equally, we will start moving double east and sail boats along Bahr Jebel, White Nile, Sobat and Akobo River so that badges with bigger capacity can be used along the Nile and its tributaries for transportation of goods and people.”

The Economic Forum is being held under the theme “Infrastructure Investment for Sustainable Development.”

In April 2023, authorities in Unity State said clearing work on the Naam river stalled due to the catastrophic floods which affected the transportation of some equipment from Juba.

The clearing of the Naam river was approved in October 2022, by the Council of Ministers, reportedly to enhance smooth navigations in the country.