By Hou Akot Hou
The long-awaited Nyamlel bridge that has been under construction for years was officially opened for public use on Wednesday.
The opening ceremony was attended by the national Minister of Roads and Bridges, Mijak Majok accompanied by Minister of Transport Madut Biar Yel, Netherland Ambassador, Therese Marjan Schippers and European Union Delegation.
The bridge connects South Sudan to Sudan. It’s launching is essential for the people of Northern Bahr el Ghazal as it now cuts the travel time between Nyamlel and the Sudanese border to thirty minutes unlike the previous three hours.
It will enhance access to basic services, connecting farmers to markets, facilitating local and regional trade.
Norther Bahr el Ghazal state Governor, Tong Aken Ngor expressed the happiness of his people for the bridge completion in short time.
“We as people of Northern Bahr el Ghazal and my government is happy indeed for great work that the Dutch government has done. Since 1960s they have been working hard to support us. And during the liberation they have not relent in supporting us. Your work is greatly appreciated.,” he stated.
The local Chief Majok Dut Deng said that he is elated by the completion of the bridge.
“Now we are full in connectivity and deaths will cease. Many people fell into the river during the time it submerged,” he stated.
On his part, the Minister of Roads and Bridges, Mijak Majok said that he will ensure that the other parts of the country that are in disconnected in form of roads and bridges are connected.
“We are coordinating with the international partners to ensure that other parts of the country which are cut off are connected.”
Meanwhile, the EU Ambassador to South Sudan, Timo Olkkonen, said, the Nyamlel Bridge will reduce the travel distance between Nyamlel and Gok Machar by 120 km.
“It will be a tangible and valuable asset for local communities, providing easier, faster and more reliable access to services and markets. In addition, the bridge and roads will facilitate access for humanitarian and development partners, government and private sector actors to previously hard-to-reach areas, while providing a lifeline for communities affected by flooding and other difficulties.”
It is hoped that the bridge will economically contribute to the lives of the people of Aweil West and North as transport of the commodities and people will be much easier.
It will benefit more than 750,000 people.
