South Sudan finalizes two infrastructure development deals with China

South Sudan and China have signed two infrastructure development pacts on April 10 for the renovation of a new bridge and the modernization of a health facility in the East African country.

Under the first agreement, the Chinese government will provide a grant for the renovation of Jur River Bridge, and building a 1.48 kilometres road linking the bridge to Wau city, northwestern South Sudan. The second pact kicks off phase two of the China-aided project for the expansion and modernization of South Sudan's biggest public health facility, the Juba Teaching Hospital. The value of the two pacts is yet to be determined upon completion of feasibility studies on the two projects.

Meanwhile, phase one of the 33 million dollars Chinese health aid for the modernization of health infrastructure in conflict-torn South Sudan is nearing completion. Baak Valentino Wol, undersecretary of the ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation appreciated the Chinese government for the support to South Sudan.

"We are really happy that China is among the very few countries that are still supporting the socioeconomic development of South Sudan. China has supported our people when others are shying away. I thank you for the support you are giving to our people," Wol opined, Xinhua reported.

Hua Ning, Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, said the infrastructure projects would be essential for people's livelihoods and the development of the world's youngest country. Hua urged the people of South Sudan to support their leaders in implementing a September 2018 peace deal aimed at ending more than five years of civil war.

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