Japan and South Sudan on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding for a 52-million US dollars grant to finance three major projects in Juba: a new Nile River Bridge, and the extension of water supply system and Juba River Port.
South Sudan Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elias Nyamlel Wakoson, signed the MoU for the Government of South Sudan and Japanese Embassy Counsellor Fumihiko Goto represented Japan.Professor Nyamlel said the projects will have major positive impact in the development of Juba and of South Sudan.
He said the new bridge is a key link connecting South Sudan to Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.
Professor Nyamlel said when the water system project in Juba is completed it will help combat water shortages.
The river port extension will facilitate river transport development.
Professor Nyamlel said the bridge takes 14 months to be built.
Mr Goto said the projects are the first Japanese grants to South Sudan after independence.
He said the projects are important for the economic development of South Sudan and they are interlinked with the peace consolidation process.
Mr Goto said Japan is going to improve infrastructure to boost South Sudanese regional and international trade links.
The extended water supply system costs 50 million US Dollars, the new bridge1.6 million and the port extension about one million.