World Food Programme started on Monday the works on two new roads in Lakes state.
Hundreds gathered in Karich Payam of Rumbek East to welcome the governor of Lakes state to the ground breaking ceremony of the construction of the two roads from Karich to Amok Piny and Aluakluak to Akouk Coc.The road is in very poor condition and locals told SCR news that it was last rehabilitated 30 years ago.
Emmanuel Kweri Dijango is a civil engineer working for WFP. He said the road is 65 kilometres long and construction will start from scratch.
He added that heavy rains that caused floods are threatening the smooth construction of the road.
WFP director in Lakes State Wilfred Tokpah said linking closely these feeder roads is a way to increase productivity among agricultural communities.
Chief Manyang Bling Atem added that the road will decrease the rate of maternity death which is currently the highest in Africa.
Former SPLA soldier Martin Maluak was employed in the labor based team. He said he has used some of the money to buy a cow and feed his family.
Governor Chol said such projects are a realization of late John Garang’s vision of taking towns to the people.
3.5 million US dollars has been budgeted for the complete construction of these two feeder road that total to 114 kilometres.
They are funded by the South Sudan Recovery Fund and are being constructed as part of the Lakes State Stabilization Programme.
The project is being managed by WFP to ensure food security by encouraging local agriculture.