The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday took over the construction of Yubu Bridge in Yambio, Western Equatoria State, the mission’s official in Yambio revealed.
Yubu Bridge is located on the road to Sakure Payam of Nzara County and lies on a section of the Yubu River which usually floods during the rainy season cutting off communities and hindering movement.
Speaking during the ceremony to launch the construction of the bridge, UNMISS’ head office in Yambio, Christopher Murenge, said the challenges occasioned by the lack of bridge were brought to their attention by Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba and they responded by writing a proposal to remedy the situation.
“Honorable Governor, I am very happy to be here with you today. I remember when you called us in your office and told us about the challenges the community at the Yubu Bridge are facing,” UNMISS’ Murenge said. “You told us that we need to find a permanent solution so we agreed on a quick Impact project. These are small projects designed to support the community and to support initiatives which lead to further impacts and growth within the community.”
Zingorani Albert, the state coordinator for the Rural Development Action Aid (RDAA), the implementing partner which will construct the bridge, called on the government to provide them with security.
“We are appealing for security from the government and chiefs as the bridge is far from the town. We need security for the materials we will bring for the construction and for people who will work on the bridge,” Zingorani said.
For his part, Governor Futuyo appreciated UNMISS for their support and said he will provide the necessary support towards the completion of the project.
“The only thing needed here is our collective support to those who are going to build the bridge so that we see this bridge constructed this year,” the governor said.
Last year the state government launched an initiative to construct the bridge but it came to naught due to financial constraints.
According to RDAA, the construction of the Yubu Bridge will take four months and cost USD 50,000.