A Malaysian Bank has approved a loan of over 390 million US dollars to Eastern Equatoria state for the construction of feeder roads and bridges.
Eastern Equatoria state minister of Roads and Transport Charles Lokonoi disclosed this to the press after his arrival from a four-day visit to Malaysia, Radio Emmanuel reported.He said Axim Bank of Malaysia agreed to fund two thousand kilometres of roads on a loan of over 300 million Dollars to be implemented by the Pro-base Manufacturing Company.
Mr Lokonoi said the road project is expected to employ 80 percent of the work force from the state and 20 percent of the technical work force from Malaysia.
The construction of roads and bridges is expected to take four years to complete.
The construction company will give five years maintenance guarantee before handing the roads over to the state government.
Mr Lokonoi said the two thousand kilometres road will last for 50 to 100 years.
Mr Lokonoi said every county in the state is also expected to get 200-kilometre road project share while priority areas of productivity and needs will share the remaining 400-kilometre road.
He said the state will not think of road construction for the next 100 years, and that every county will take charge of road maintenance within its territory.
The Minister said that the government of Eastern Equatoria state pays the loan in ten years period and that payment is beginning two years after signing the agreement.