South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has said the newly-constructed Freedom Bridge, funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will enhance growth and boost regional integration.
He was speaking during Thursday’s inauguration of the $91 million project.
The occasion was graced by the Kenyan High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, Raila Odinga and the Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan, Naohiro Tsutsumi, among other dignitaries.
“I would like to thank the Government and the people of Japan for this important gift to the people of South Sudan. This bridge will stand as lasting evidence of our true friendship with the Japanese people and their government,” said Kiir.
The president said the 560-meter long bridge, built on River Nile, is a symbol of true friendship between his government and the people of Japan.
Construction work started in June 2013 after a lengthy preparatory work.
Kiir thanked JICA for staying the course on the bridge project despite numerous challenges it encountered in the country over the years.
“Despite many setbacks that this project has gone through since its inception, today, the Freedom Bridge he become a reality,” he stressed.
The South Sudanese leader urged citizens to drive safely on the bridge, describing the newly-built facility as “a life line and gateway to the region”.
For his part, Odinga said the commissioning of the bridge shows the interest of the government of South Sudan to connect with the rest of the region.
“Africa is busy expanding its infrastructure”, he said, stressing that the bridge will contributes to efforts to develop and connect to the rest of the world.
“This is a great day for the people of South Sudan as the freedom bridge in Juba opens for business. This bridge will play a key role in enhancing connectivity and trade in our region,” said the ex-Kenyan Prime Minister.
He added, “It is great seeing the project come to fruition. Africa will surely rise”.
According to Odinga, the Freedom Bridge will resolve transport disruption and trade interruption to South Sudanese and the people of East Africa.
“Every bridge built, is a relationship established. Freedom Bridge will resolve fast the transport disruption and trade interruption to the people of South Sudan people and the people of East Africa,” further stressed Odinga.
He added, “With this bridge, South Sudanese will need to access the port of Mombasa or Lamu Just like Kenyan and Ugandan traders need to access Juba. This bridge is part of the answers for the quest of our traders”.
Meanwhile, the Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan, Naohiro Tsutsumi appealed to the people of South Sudan to protect the newly-built bridge.
“Dear South Sudanese Friends, now the Freedom Bridge is in your hands. Please take good care of it. It will work hard for you. It is laying itself down for you like a bridge over the troubled water. This bride is simple out of our true friendship,” he said.
The idea of bridge, which measures 12.9 meters wide, was conceived before South Sudan’s independence in 2011, but work started in June 2013.
The initial cost of the bridge’s construction was $91m, but in 2019, the Japanese government pledged an additional $28 million for its completion.
Source: Sudan Tribune