The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and South Sudan’s Ministry of Roads and Bridges on Monday inaugurated the Martyrs Bridge, linking the University of Juba to Giada and Jebel Market.
The bridge was financed by the Government of Japan in partnership with the Ministry of Roads and Bridges and implemented by JICA.
The project construction of Martyrs Bridge, also known as Shuhada, started in mid-2022.
Speaking at hand over ceremony in Juba, Road and Bridges Minister Simon Mijok Mijak, said the bridge would facilitate the movement of people along the Jebel residential to the University of Juba as well as ease traffic.
“During the construction of these bridges, our people have persevered on dust and mud to reach their homes and places of work. But such suffering has come to an end as we open this bridge to traffic today,” said Mijak.
Mijak disclosed that the opening of the bridge marks a new milestone in South Sudan-China friendship.
He said the bridge is vital, adding that it has already strengthened the bilateral relations and cooperation between China and South Sudan.
JICA representative Tanaka Hiroyuki said that the transportation industry plays a fundamental and strategic role in achieving economic and social development.
“Today’s handover marks a critical milestone in the progress of this grand project entitled the Project for Construction of Bridges in Juba, which seeks to reconstruct three key bridges in Juba City,” said Tanaka.
“In February, construction of the new Albino Bridge was completed and successfully handed over to the government of South Sudan. The third and final bridge is scheduled for handover in a couple of weeks,” he added.