The joint team between the government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will officially open the bridge tomorrow. for public. use.
The much anticipated opening of Freedom Bridge by President Salva Kiir tomorrow is expected, it hope that it will significantly reduce traffic congestion in Juba.
In an exclusive interview with the minister of Information Michael Makuei told the City Review that, “they cannot wait to start using the new bridge.”
Makuei, who also serves as the government spokesperson, said that the event will be graced by President of South Sudan General Salva Kiir.
“We will be having two bridges, and that will save us from wasting a lot of time on the way when going to town,” said Ater Mou, a resident of Sherikat.”
On March 19, 2015, President Kiir laid the foundation stone for a $91 million Japanese-funded project to build the Freedom Bridge south of the Nile.
Freedom Bridge has a total length of 560 metres, width of 12.9 metres, and 3.64 kilometres of road access on both sides, is one of South Sudan’s biggest bridges.
The two-lane bridge also has a pedestrian sidewalk, making it relatively safer for people crossing on foot.
After the inauguration, the project was scheduled to be completed within three years. However, the renewed fighting in 2016 forced the Japanese government to evacuate its engineers and halt the construction of the Freedom Bridge.
The work at the site resumed after the signing of the revitalised peace agreement in 2018.
Last week, Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior accompanied the Minister of Roads and Bridges, Simon Mijok Mijak, to view and inspect the bridge.