Malakal is yet to progress from its current status of poor infrastructure to a well-structured town following a signing ceremony of minutes of discussion on the project for Malakal between the state government and Japan International Cooperation Agency or JICA.
Atsushi Hanatani, JICA’s resident representative in South Sudan, said the flimsy political situation in Malakl persuaded the agency to fund and monitor the comprehensive project.He added that more developmental agencies seem to be located in other states and not in Upper Nile.
Unlike other capital towns in South Sudan, Malakal experienced a number of battles between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Army during the interim period, a scene that left most of its infrastructures in shambles.
The project expected to start early next year and finish in two years time will mainly focus on rebuilding infrastructure like proper drainage, roads and bridges, safe water supply and means of bringing in cargos and passengers through water transport.
Bol Ruach, Upper Nile’s minister of Housing and Physical infrastructures said Upper Nile needs these services now that South Sudan is independent.
This agreement comes after a request from the Upper Nile state government to the Japanese government in June 2011.