The president of the republic and the first vice-president were today in Wau to preside over the official inauguration of the railway link between Babanusa and the capital of Western Bahr el Ghazal.
A huge and jubilant crowd gathered early in the morning around Sikka Hadid, the Wau railway station, shouting mainly slogans for unity in a clear demonstration of NCP support in the region, SCR News correspondent reported.The Wau-Babanusa railway link was destroyed by the SPLA during the civil war to cut off supplies of soldiers and weapons to the northern forces fighting against the south.
GoSS president Salva Kiir Mayardit said during his speech he hopes that the railway brings peace and development to the region.
President Omar Hassan al-Bashir noted that this time the train brought food and cars to Wau, not war.
Mr. al-Bashir added that the new railway link represents a great hope to South Sudan.
He promised to extend the railway to Rumbek, Juba and to the border of Uganda.
Mr. al-Bashir said the train will bring the tools necessary to supply water and electricity to Wau.
He promised also a new and bigger airport for Wau on the other side of Jur River.