Western Equatoria government on Tuesday launched road assessment in the state.
Physical Infrastructure minister Clement Juma Mbugoniwia said Japanese and American companies will spend a ten-day feasibility studies on a 619-kilometre road between Mundri and Tombura Counties, Anisa Radio reported.
He said the trunk road will boost the economy, ease movement of the people and serve as a lifeline to Greater Bahr Ghazal states.
Western Equatoria Governor Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro said the assessment was the beginning and the implementation depends on the national government’s decision.
He added that the actual work on the ground may take two to three years.
Tombura-Yambio Catholic Bishop Edward Hiiboro Kusala described the assessment of the road as a blessing to the people of Western Equatoria State.
He likened opening of the road to opening human veins.
State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Hanna Lona Bona urged citizens to cooperate with investors.
She thanked the President and the national government for considering roads in the state.
Western Equatoria government and Chinese Company Wu Yi in the middle of this year signed a memorandum of understanding to develop road networks in the state.