Delayed release of funds in hindering much needed maintenance works on roads in Western Bahr El Ghazal.
The state minister for physical infrastructure and urban construction Juliet Raphael Makel said her ministry is still waiting for the 1.5 million pounds that were promised to be issued by the central government in Juba.She told Radio Voice of Hope that the money was meant for repairing roads in Western Bahr El-Ghazal, but it never reached the state’s coffers.
She added that the local authorities managed to pull together some resources to keep the roads open during the rains.
Ms. Raphael said roads repair is very costly.
She clarified inter-state roads fall under the national government responsibility while feeder roads are maintained by the state authorities.
Ms. Raphael said that contracts are signed in Juba while the state government supervises the quality of contractor’s works.
She explained that the community is also responsible for the maintenance of the streets within Wau and not only of the government.
Ms. Raphael said local chiefs should coordinate the maintenance of feeder roads, involving all sectors of society.
The minister urged all the citizens to put their hands together for the progress in the state.