Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan Odagiri Toshio has appealed for a strong commitment to fulfilling the outstanding tasks of the 2018 Peace Agreement, including genuine dialogue to realize the Tumaini Consensus, in Nairobi.
Speaking during the handing over of the Kokora Bridge in Juba on Tuesday, Odagiri said that the South Sudan parities, working together, would attain sustainable peace and stability and improve the lives of their people.
He said Japan remained committed to supporting the Government of South Sudan, and sincerely wished the people peace, stability, development, prosperity, happiness and well-being.
The Kokora Bridge, aimed at easing traffic congestion and increasing economic activities in Juba City, was constructed by Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), through JICA.
The handing over ceremony was attended by Taban Deng Gai, the Vice-President for Infrastructure Cluster, Roads and Bridges Minister Mijok Mijak and Central Equatoria State Governor of Augustino Jadalla Camillo Wani.
Odagiri highlighted Japan’s role, not only in building the infrastructure, but also in transferring technical knowledge to South Sudanese engineers to ensure the long-term maintenance of the
bridges.
“I would like to commend the dedicated South Sudanese people who have learned Japanese technology through the construction of this bridge, together with the skilled Japanese engineers from Dai Nippon Construction Company and CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd,” he said.
He added that Japan has been supporting South Sudan in various infrastructure projects since before its independence, including the construction of the Freedom Bridge, the Juba Water Supply, and other essential facilities.
The Ambassador underscored the importance of peace and stability for economic growth and urged the Government of South Sudan to prioritize the implementation of the peace agreement and improving the living conditions of its citizens. He reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering commitment to supporting South Sudan’s sustainable development and expressed hope for the country’s future prosperity.
“At the heart of Japan’s cooperation with South Sudan is our unwavering commitment to the country’s self-reliant development.
“We are proud to have been a part of this project, not only as a builder, but also as a
knowledge-sharing partner,” said the envoy.
Beyond the physical construction, Japanese engineers and experts were working with South Sudanese to transfer skills and knowledge on how to maintain the bridges, he went on.
“With this transfer of knowledge, I sincerely hope that the bridges will be properly maintained and serve the people of Juba for many years to come.”