Truck overturns. (Photo: Courtesy).

The National Ministry of Roads and Bridges has signed an 11-million South Sudanese pound contract to upgrade the Lasu -Yei road.

The Deputy Minister of Roads and Bridges, Simon Majok Mijak, told journalists in Juba, that the move is to create good road access to the surrounding region.

“We are aiming to connect South Sudan not only to the DRC but we are connecting South Sudan to the Atlantic Ocean. We have four trunk roads linking South Sudan with the Democratic Republic of Congo through Central Equatoria. Of course Lasu is classified as A-55 and then we have Kaya through Morobo and Yei up to the junction of Western Equatoria is classified as A-45. As I speak, the work is going on because we want to make it as an alternative for Nimule road to supply the six states which include Western Equatoria and the four states of Greater Bahr El Ghazal plus Unity State. We have the third road, which is Kajo–Keji-Juba road, Terekeka -Yiro, Shambe up to Leer in Unity State classified as A-65”, he said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Yei River County, Juma David Augustine, said they will cooperate with the Kirinyaga Construction Company in order to speed up the road works.

“As a Commissioner, I have a history of this road, and the expectations of the people of Yei River County and the beneficiaries, who shall put the road into proper use, are so great… the work will start as soon as we sign this contract. I want to re-echo our cooperation and encourage the company that is taking up this contract – Kirinyaga – that we have hosted you. We have provided you a home in Yei. You are not a stranger to us as you go back to Yei, we expect the best. On our side, we will do everything we can for this project to be a success”, Agustine said.

The Managing Director of the Kirinyaga Construction Company, Peter Musango, stated that his company aims to finish work on the 45-kilometer road in December.