Japanese Ambassador Kiya Masahiko paid an inspection visit to the site of the construction of the South Sudan Freedom Bridge at the Nile yesterday together with the Minister of Roads and Bridges Kwong Danhier Gatluak.

Speaking to reporters during the visit, Kwong pointed out that close to 120 South Sudanese are working at the construction site. He said also the work costs 100-110 million dollars. He also addressed engineering students telling them to study the construction site in order to learn practical skills.

The bridge was launched on 19 March and since then a lot of progress has been made, according to the minister.

Ambassador Kiya Masahiko explained, “ A temporary bridge to aid the building of the main bridge will be concluded by the end of July this year. After that we move to the construction of three pillars which will take around a year and half. By the end of 2016 three pillars will be completed.”

“Then the work will move on to the construction of the upper structure and will take around one year throughout 2017. The bridge will be completed by 2018,’’

Photos: Embassy of Japan