UNMISS plans to repair more than 2000 kilometers of roads         

By Benjamin Takpiny

The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Nicholas Haysom on Tuesday said that they are planning to repair more than 2000 kilometres of roads in the country.

“This year our engineers plan to repair more than 2000 kilometers of roads in places like Warrap, Western and Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes and Upper Nile,” Haysom said during press conference held in Juba.

 Haysom said that infrastructure projects are the responsibility of the government, but UNMISS is coordinating with national and state authorities to support their efforts to improve security, boost trade and economic growth, as well as facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and to connect communities to each other for peace building purposes.

“We provide equipment, technical expertise and labour. The government and local authorities provide access and the appropriate raw materials,” he said.

Haysom said that the work by the UNMISS engineering has saved lives in Bentiu where they are defending 300,000 people surrounded by 5,400 square kilometres of stagnant flood waters by maintaining and reinforcing massive dykes and berms.

He said that the work is a joint effort with local communities and humanitarian partners.

However, Haysom said that road works during the dry season can cause challenges, including disturbing dust.

He regretted any inconvenience that may have been caused in Rumbek area of Lakes State.

Haysom noted that the engineering team has short time to work ahead of the rainy season.

 “Any short-term pain is far outweighed by the long-term benefits for local authorities, law enforcement, traders, business owners, and communities,” he said.

 He added they  are also improving lives through quick Impact projects.

“This year, UNMISS will build or rehabilitate 14 schools, deliver eight clean water projects, five primary health centres, seven projects supporting women’s health, protection, and income generation, and eight projects supporting public administration and enhancing civic space,” Haysom said.

Haysom also said that are strengthening the justice system to prevent criminality and improve accountability by constructing 23 facilities, including courts, prisons, police stations and training centres.

“We continue to provide mobile courts as a way of taking justice to the people, which is a unique South Sudanese model. One of these courts is currently underway in Koch, for the first time ever. I’ve taken the time to list these initiatives to demonstrate just how deep our commitment is to supporting the people and leaders of South Sudan across the full spectrum of politics and peace building as well as improving security and the living experience of the communities that we serve,” he said.