This thread is dedicated for Infrastructure news and development...

Juba - Nimule Road

JUBA, 12 February 2011 – The tamarcking of the 192 kilometer Juba-Nimule highway connecting South Sudan to Uganda and eventually to the Mombasa port in Kenya was on Thursday by the GoSS President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

The road is one of South Sudan’s key roads that is used to import goods from East Africa into the semi – autonomous region.

About 20 buses use the Juba-Nimule road everyday ferrying passengers between the Ugandan capital Kampala and Juba.

Kiir said tarmacking of the road will help address transport challenges that South Sudan as an independent nation is likely to face with her neighboring countries.

The United States of America Consul General Barrie Walkley who was also present at the launch said improving the road’s condition will greatly reduce the time taken to travel from Juba to Kampala.

It is estimated that currently it takes eight hours to travel from Juba to Nimule.

“The completion of this road will catalyse business transactions between Southern Sudan and the neighboring countries”, said Walkley.

He pledged US’ continuous support to South Sudan’s socio-economic transformation.

The GoSS Minister of Transport and Roads Anthony Lino Makana said the Juba- Nimule road is one of the 7,000 kilometers of road being tarmacked in South Sudan.

The project that is expected to be completed early next year is being funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Louis Berger Group at a cost of US$ 225 million.

^^
This probably belongs here...

NTV-uganda: Tarmacing of Gulu-Nimule Road that will connect South Sudan to northern Uganda. :cheers:

bh48-vACaak

It will cut travel times from Juba to nimule from 8 hrs to just 2.5 :cheers:

Electrification Project Inaugurated In Kapoeta


(Gurtong (http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4815/Electrification-Project-Inaugurated-In-Kapoeta.aspx))

:cheers:

:nocrook::applause:

Vivacell Penetrates Eastern Equatoria State

By Peter Lokale Nakimangole

Mobile telephone operator Vivacell has embarked on extending its operations in Eastern Equatoria State.

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/7048/mobile20phoes20ees20edt.jpg (http://img192.imageshack.us/i/mobile20phoes20ees20edt.jpg/)

Torit residents utilise mobile phone for their communication needs.[©Gurtong]


TORIT, 14 February 2011 (Gurtong) – In its bid to take services closer to the rural communities in the state, the company has projected erecting 40 transmission boosters in the area.

The company’s senior site acquisition officer Celso Agole Putha told Gurtong in Torit that construction of base stations is already underway in Goejok, Magwi town, Ibona, Kormush and Imurok.

“The boosters currently operational are in Moli, Pageri, Nimule and Torit while new ones are expected after our successful tour of Loriyok in Budi County, Kapoeta town of Kapoeta
South County and Narus town of Kapoeta East County”, he said.

Agole added that other boosters will be built in Lolim, Kapoeta East County, Loyoro in Kapoeta East County, Napotpot in Kapoeta East County and Lobira in Ikotos County.

“We have obtained pieces of land after successful meetings with local authorities of Chalamini and Lobalua villages where we will set up our boosters and we are happy that the communities have welcomed the development”, he said.

(Gurtong (http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ID/4872/Default.aspx))

Maridi inaugurates electricity supply

JUBA, 25 February 2011 - Maridi’s power supply was inaugurated on Wednesday and the Western Equatoria town can now experience the benefits of electricity. The project was funded by USAID in collaboration with governments of South Sudan and Western Equatoria.


Officiating at the function, the minister for Transport and Roads, Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS), H.E. Anthony Lino Makana, said the electricity supply will improve education, health services and businesses. He commended the government for its commitment to rural development. “If someone tells you your government is not working, [know] that it is a lie because we work day and night”, he said.


The United States general consul Barrie Walkley told the people during the inauguration that his country’s support of the electricity project aims at supporting Dr. John Garang’s vision of taking the town to the villages. Ambassador Walkley said Maridi’s power plant is ready to serve 725 customers with a 21-kilometre line and another 175 people will be connected later. He added that the electricity will help small scale businesses in the region.


The Governor of Western Equatoria, H.E. Joseph Bakosoro said the project is a unique because it is the first of its kind in an area which has never electric power supply.


The function was also attended and addressed by GOSS minister for Energy and Mining, H.E. Garang Diing Akuong as well as several members of the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly and the regional assembly.


Maridi is the third town to be connected to electricity grid under the Southern Sudan Rural Electrification Programme supported by the USAID. The Maridi community participated effectively in the construction of the lines by providing free labour. The power project which commenced in 2008 cost USD 3.9 million

Maridi, A wonder full town in Eastern Equitoria.

Maridi is one of the first towns in South Sudan to have both a water treatment plant and a power system. This is attracting investors.

For the part of the power system, I would clarify two points in the posting above.

The materials on hand will connect up to 725 electric meters. The grid is self can sustain much more than that. The original project was for 300 meters installed by the end of September 2011. We purchased extra meters for the utility to maintain some in stock. It appears we will exceed 300 meters installed in a few months.

The labor was NOT provided free. The specific intent is to provide training to locals. They are paid and trained to work on the system. The system was built by locals, no foreign construction contractor was involved.

Local labor has worked well. Locals are hard working and quite able to accomplish tasks once trained.

rwd

^^ Rwd, many thanks.......Good work.:applause:

Thank you C2, It is a privilege to work here in South Sudan. It appears this is an informational area to post good things happening in Sudan.

The post above talks of the "Third" town electrified by USAID. The other two are Yei town in Central Equitoria and Kapoeta town in Eastern Equitoria. All now have high quality electricity. These utilities will be operated by local South Sudanese with continued management and operational support over the next several years.

Designed to be self sustaining without subsidies, the current cost of system power per KWH is a bit on the high side. This covers fuel and maintenance on the power plants and the system but really does not allow for much system expansion. System expansion will continue to rely on donor support for the next few years. These are islanded systems that will truly grow into their own when a national grid has been built and cheaper hydropower supplies the system. At that time the tariff could be lowered but still include an amount to be dedicated for system expansion.

Thanks again! Rwd

South Sudan to receive infrastructure support from ADB

March 1, 2011 (JUBA) – The African Development Bank (ADB) is ready to provide support to the emerging independent state of South Sudan in the development of its various infrastructures, says the bank’s Country & Policies Vice President, Aloysius Ordu.

ADB would give more financial and technical support in the area of capacity building, good governance and poverty reduction. This came in a meeting on Tuesday in Juba between the visiting Ordu and the Vice President of South Sudan, Riek Machar Teny.

As part of the ADB’s traditional support to fragile states in Africa, Machar also appealed for support to initiatives of peace building and reconciliations among the populations in the region, which he said were traumatised by the 21 years of war, cattle rustling and tribal conflicts.

He also stressed on the importance of prioritising support to agriculture and livestock sectors in the region.

The region’s Vice President said his government has been under pressure, trying to manage what he said were the “very high expectations” of the people of the new state.

“Our people need compensation for the losses in war,” he said, adding that the compensations should be in form of service delivery in health, education, food security, clean water and electrical coverage sectors, among others. The region will not “turn into Dubai overnight”, he acknowledged, but gave assurance that his government would do its best to gradually meet the expectations of the people.

With a mandate to promote economic and social development in Africa, Ordu, also assured that South Sudan can also qualify to become member of the African Development Bank as the 54th country in Africa after its official independence in July 2011.

The Bank’s delegation will further discuss the details of their support with the minister of Finance and Economic Planning, David Deng Athorbei.

ADB is a financial institution of 53 African and 24 non-African countries which promotes economic and social progress in Africa through loans, equity investments and technical assistance. Structurally, the ADB Group includes the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund and the Nigeria Trust Fund.

Established in 1964 and headquartered Tunisia, ADB has provided a cumulative US$55 billion in loans and grants in Africa.
Link (http://www.africanbrains.net/2011/03/02/south-sudan-to-receive-infrastructure-support-from-adb/)

24 Hour Power Supply for Rumbek

By Manyang Mayom


Residents and businesspeople in the Lakes State capital Rumbek will soon enjoy a 24-hour uninterrupted electricity supply.

The State Minister of Physical Infrastructure Joseph Maker Madit has at the same time clarified that the stalled electrification of Rumbek was caused by the recently- concluded Southern Sudan Referendum.

The minister said the technicians who had come from northern Sudan left for fear of reprisals during the plebiscite.

He added that lack of cables for the 3-megawatt power plant also contributed to the halt.

Madit has, however, assured that the project will commence soon, saying already electricity transmission poles have been delivered in the Western Bahr el Ghazal State capital Wau and additional transformers are expected from Juba.

“The installation of the generator is complete and what is pending is work on the transmission networks”, he said.

He assured all foreign contractors working in Lakes State that they will be offered government protection as they play a key role in the re-construction of South Sudan.

He said the project that was set to be completed last December will only require two months for its completion.

“With the new power supply, we will conserve our forests as most town dwellers currently rely on charcoal for their energy needs”, he said.

The completion of the electricity project was one of the promises the current Lakes State government pledged during the political campaigns in the run up top last year’s Sudan general elections.
(Gurtong)

There is good work thats being done :cheers: .. Good luck South Sudan.

Good news. I think south sudan and ethiopia need to have a joint investment on the power generation sector. The south sudan need to come up with the money and ethiopia provide the river, build a 2000MW power station and divide fifty fifty .Since we have a lot of plans which sit down on the backburner this could be a win win situation for both countries. The south sudan can move fast much better in this kind of massive yet cheap electricity than using the much expensive diesel generators.

^^ South Sudan got more than enough sites that are suitable for power generation. The roll out will commence in due time.......Just hope that time is sooner rather than later.

South Sudan plans 11 hydro power plants

Sunday, 29th August, 2010

JUBA-South Sudanese authorities have identified eleven sites in the semi-autonomous region where they plan to build hydroelectric plants to exploit the White Nile and other rivers, a government official said on Saturday.

The oil-producing south will vote in a referendum on secession on Januay 9 and is widely expected to become an independent nation.

Southerners will be building a country from scratch after decades of civil war destroyed what little infrastructure there was in the fertile region.

Isaac Liabwel, a senior official at the ministry of water resources and irrigation, said exploiting the Nile was central to the development of the south, which has no electricity grid. Only a few towns have power provided by expensive generators.

“We have located more than 10 potential sites for hydro power, most are along the Nile and its tributaries,” Liabwel said. Liabwel said five sites had been earmarked along the Nile, three others on its tributaries, and three at other water catchment sites in the region.

He said they could potentially provide the south with 2,000 megawatt hours of power per day. The final price tag and timeframe is unknown and costing studies are under way, said Liabwel, who singled out four of the sites along the Nile as the top priority.

“These are the main sites. Once they are operational we can link with Uganda and the DRC Congo and export power to them,” he said. The Blue and White Nile merge in Sudan into a single river that then flows into Egypt.

Southern Sudan Electricity Corporation general manager, Ajuoi Chol, said the cost for the four priority sites south of Juba would not be less than $1b.
Link (http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/220/730294)

South Sudan's Vivacell aims to triple subscribers

By Aaron Maasho
NAIROBI (Reuters) - South Sudanese telecoms firm Vivacell aims to triple its subscribers to 3 million by 2014 and sees a huge market for mobiles in the country, despite hefty operating costs, a company official said.

The region is set to become Africa's newest nation in July after it voted to secede earlier this year following two decades of war.

There are massive infrastructure deficits but South Sudan's fledgling mobile phone market has attracted a number of firms since a peace deal was signed in 2005.

"There's a huge potential for the market in South Sudan, we have 10 million possible customers," Khalil Nassar, Vivacell's chief technology officer, told Reuters late on Wednesday, referring to the country's estimated population.

"Our plan is to reach 3 million subscribers in three years time. We expect to hit a million by the end of this year."

Vivacell was launched in 2009 after Lebanon's Fattouch Investment Group purchased south Sudanese company NOW (Network of the World) in 2007.

The firm is now jointly owned by south Sudanese and other backers, Nassar said. In addition to Vivacell, Kuwait's Zain, South Africa's MTN and Sudatel's Sudani have already set up operations in the south.

Nassar, who was speaking on the sidelines of an industry conference, said his company intends to capitalise on an influx of South Sudanese returning to the region following the peaceful referendum in January.

"As the country becomes a republic in July, most people will come back to their areas," he said. "The first things they will want are going to be water, electricity and then ways of communication."

Sudan's conflict killed 2 million people and displaced another 4 million as the country's Muslim north and mainly Christian south battled over differences in ideology, ethnicity and religion.

Hundreds of thousands are now expected to flock to their homeland this year, with over 264,000 returning by October last year, according to the United Nations.

The dearth in infrastructure makes it difficult and expensive for a company like Vivacell to operate in the country, and Nassar said employees were forced to use planes to reach sites.

"This country is coming from 30 years of conflict. There are no asphalted roads, so its not cost-effective," he said.

Officials say telecom companies operating in the south last week received a letter from the South Sudan government telling them to suspend work there until the administration publishes new rules for the sector.

Nassar said he was not aware of such an announcement, adding the company was focused on rural expansion in the impoverished state.

"The objective now is not to make profit, but to set up network and satisfy our customers," he said.
Reuters (http://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFJOE73603K20110407)

JICA Representative meets Kiir on South infrastructure


ADAKU SAMUEL & AUMA STELLA OKELLO

JUBA - The Japan International Cooperation Agency representative in Juba, Kenichi Shishido had a talk with His Excellency Salva Kiir on Friday. The two discussed on the future infrastructure development of South Sudan.

Shishido said that JICA presented to the office of the President of South Sudan the structure of their work plan which includes the construction of the new bridge, water plants and food nutrition granaries.

President Kiir welcomed the decision and told Shishido that the plan falls in the priority development context of his government.

According to the president, south Sudan suffered era of the Unity government with little or no intentions to develop infrastructure of the region. “The National Congress Party failed to put in place any infrastructure in the south�. He said that developing a good road net work would bring in development of trade, industry and agriculture.

Juba river port falls in the immediate advantage for construction. The president declared that the port will also handle goods coming from international destinations.

Shishido revealed that JICA has conducted a study on River Nile Bridge, which was constructed in 1973. The plan to construct a new River Nile Bridge is expected to begin next year 2012. The new bridge will connect Nimule road to Lologo and Jebel kujur so as to reduce traffic in the City.

According to Shishido, the project estimates will take $80M for the construction of the bridge. It will also take $30M for expansion of Juba River port- from 2011-2014 and capacity development on sustainable road maintenance and management in Juba.

Shishido added that JICA will give support to enhance the capacity of South Sudan Urban Water Cooperation for their operation and management of water treatment plant, transmission and distribution facilities, water quality and financial condition improvement. The proposed project is estimated to take $4.3M.

Shishido said 120 public tap stands, eight water tanker filling stations, construction of distribution mains and secondary distribution pipe lines will be in place by the end of 2013.

The varying project of JICA targets to strengthen organizational capacity of GoSS and State Ministry of Health to perform effectively. It also aims at implementation of human resource development, policy and Annual plan. He said the move is to prepare the new nation to be self reliant.

Salva however, urged the JICA to protect the lives of her citizen by providing skills on the reserve of food nutrition. “A nation without food cannot stand and her citizens are exposed to hunger, poverty and the children would suffer from malnutrition�, added Salva. He appealed for the cooperation of the international community to enhance the growth of the citizens.

JICA will fully implement in the country the planned projects that will benefit the population that needs humanitarian support in terms of food security. JICA recognizes the fact that the long civil war destabilized the citizens of south Sudan who are now still settling to gear agriculture and trade. Shishido’s remark came at a time when he was leaving Juba for Khartoum and he promised to keep an eye on south Sudan’s projects to succeed.
Juba Post (http://jubapost.org/article-16.html)

and solar power plants ?

Cool!!!

Ethiopia to extend railway line to Upper Nile state

Monday, 13 June 2011 20:15 Economy >>>

The Ethiopian government has pledged to connect its railway network to Upper Nile state, Ayong Awer Lual, the state's minister said addressing a news conference at at the state's Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries in Malakal on Saturday.

Lual said that Ethiopia has started constructing a railway line which will connect to Djibouti and the same line will be linked to Upper Nile.

Miraya Fm (http://www.mirayafm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6165:ethiopia-to-extend-railway-line-to-upper-nile-state&catid=90&Itemid=298)

^^Wonderful news, South Sudan and Djibouti will be linked by railway through Ethiopia! :cheers:

South Sudan won't depend exclusively on the North or Kenya for its access to the sea as they'll be able to use Djiboutian ports

HEy im saying hello to the new South sudan state...Welcome to an era of development prosperity and peace

congrats for independence!

http://www.slide.com/r/OPWnGoa_7z8Wqs-xm4plXNOwY_k5211y?previous_view=lt_embedded_url

Juba-Nimule Road construction is progressing well and should be finished by early next year.:cheers:

South Sudan’s Government to Build Hydropower Dam, Minister Says

By Jared Ferrie - Sep 26, 2011

South Sudan plans to build a hydropower dam in the northwest of the newly independent country, Water Resources Minister Paul Mayom Akec said.

The dam, which will also be used to store water for irrigation, will be constructed at Wau, 509 kilometers (316 miles) northwest of the capital, Juba, Mayom said in a statement dated Sept. 23 on the government’s website.

Link (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-26/south-sudan-s-government-to-build-hydropower-dam-minister-says.html)

WBGS, Chinese Sign Projects Agreement


By Flora Henry ǀ 03.10.2011

JUBA - The government of Western Bahr El Ghazal together with a Chinese company has signed projects aimed at constructing hydro electric power, upgrading Wau airport among others. The signing ceremony took place in Juba, according to SPLM Media Officer for Information and Communication, James Deng Angok.

China Harbour Company Engineering limited and Falcons Group has signed the contract and will oversee it. “If the project of electricity is completed, it will be used in the state and even extended to Aweil and Warrap states,” he said He added that the entire town is currently using generators supplied by the Egyptian government under President Omar Al Bashir and hat power is not sufficient to supply the whole town of Wau.

James said Wau Airport gets flooded during the rainy season and such anomalies will be avoided when it is upgraded by the company.

The secretary stated that the state government has constructed a new reception and a VIP lounge at the Airport.

“The development in the state will be able to attract investors who in turn will provide employment opportunities to the people,” said James.

He praised the state government under Governor, Rizik Zakaria for improvements in the health, water, infrastructure and the education sectors.

James said, “Although we used to import water from Khartoum, however, the closure of the north south border made things very hard but now we have resorted to get mineral water from Juba, thanks to local water companies such as Kazala and Zahra,” So, we now get clean water and not importing from Khartoum anymore which used to be costly.”

Meanwhile, the SPLM official urged the people of the state to rally behind the governor and support him with good ideas for development to be attained.

On the current food crisis experienced, he pointed out that Aweil rice scheme in Northern Bahr El Ghazal should be improved. “We can even be the food basket of the whole continent of Africa,”

His final message is that the people of South Sudan should shun tribalism and stand behind those elected in last years’

UAE billionaire expresses readiness to invest in South Sudan

September 29, 2011 (JUBA) – A group of investors from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates have expressed their readiness to invest in major projects in South Sudan.

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/3381/vpriekmacharmeetingwith.jpg
South Sudan VP Riek Machar (R) and Sheikh Buti Saeed (L), Juba, September 29, 2011 (ST)

South Sudan became an independent state on 9 July 2011 and still lacks infrastructure and basic services after years of underinvestment and more than two decades of civil war with North Sudan.

On Thursday a Dubai billionaire, Sheikh Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, led a delegation to Juba to assess the investment potentials.

He met with the South Sudan vice president, Riek Machar and was briefed on the major projects which require investment.

The projects include an international airport at Tali, north of Juba – the current capital.

Machar also briefed them on agriculture, roads, railways, refineries, pipelines, hydroelectric power dams and the building of the new capital in Ramciel, among others.

Saeed expressed his interest in providing investment in some of the major projects.

(ST)

JICA earmarks US$90m for new R. Nile bridge construction


By Julius N. Uma

October 27, 2011 (JUBA) - Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has earmarked nearly US$90m for the construction of a bridge on the river Nile in South Sudan, after undertaking a seven-month feasibility study of the project.

A preparatory survey was carried following a request submitted by South Sudan’s road and bridges ministry.

As part of this initiative, JICA representatives and officials from both the national and state government on Thursday signed a technical agreement.

Mikoko Kimura, JICA’s project formulation adviser, said the project was expected to take three years. The bridge will be 560 meters long.

At a ceremony in Juba, Kimura said the diplomatic agreement was expected be signed in the first quarter of the year.

In the past, he added, JICA has undertaken similar projects in the Bangladesh, in the 1970s in then Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), while plans are reportedly under way to construct a bridge in Uganda.

Simon Majok Majak, South Sudan’s deputy minister for roads and bridges lauded the Japanese government for its contribution, adding that the technical agreement signed will later be presented to the various government departments for their inputs.

The technical committee for environmental impact assessment, Majak said, took into consideration the plight of communities expected to be displaced as a result of the project and that they will be compensated.

“It the obligation of the government to ensure that any project to be undertaken be subjected to a thorough environmental impact assessment. All this has been done and the affected communities will be taken care for,” he said.

After a one year study, those ministries concerned will be tasked to confirm the basic design of the project and the results of the environmental and social impact assessment.

Suzuki Masahiko, the team leader signed the agreement on behalf of JICA, while Simon Majok Majak, Elias Nyamlell Wakoson, the deputy minister for foreign affairs and international cooperation, Lewis Gore George from Central Equatoria ministry for physical infrastructure and Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, under-secretary in the ministry finance, planning and economic development were South Sudan’s signatories. Also present was Gier Chuang Aluang, the country’s roads and bridges minster.

(ST)

EU earmarks €200m for health, infrastructure in South Sudan


By Julius N. Uma

November 11, 2011 (JUBA) - The European Union (EU) Commission has pledged €200m to the Republic of South Sudan (RSS), as part of their commitment to strengthen development support in Africa’s newest nation, Andris Piebalgs, the EU commissioner for development said on Friday.

The funds, Piebalgs added, will mainly address key sectors like health, education, rule of law and infrastructural development, focusing on feeder roads construction.

“The EU is currently preparing South Sudan to develop a strategic framework that will cover the period 2014-2020. This framework will help government address the needs of its citizens,” the EU commissioner told the press in Juba, the country’s capital.

Piebalgs, however, urged South Sudan to focus on diversifying its economy, saying over-reliance on oil revenue can sometimes be disastrous. Nearly 98% of South Sudan’s revenue comes from oil.

He said, “Oil is a blessing, but it needs to be carefully utilised,” adding that more emphasis needed to be put on increasing agricultural productivity in the country’s rural locations.

About 80% of South Sudan’s population depends on agriculture, which is the the backbone of the rural economy. However, only 4% of the country’s agricultural land is said to be in use.

Meanwhile, the EU Commissioner lauded what he described as South Sudan President, Salva Kiir’s firm commitment to fight corruption in government as well as the Central Bank over its recent move to regulate money exchange in the country.

“The recent increases in prices and rising inflation raised concern to everyone. However, the government needs to put place good public finance systems to effectively manage the country’s economy,” said Piebalgs, while adding that the EU joint programming exercise was also presented and discussed with several members of the southern government.

ST (http://www.sudantribune.com/EU-earmarks-EUR200m-for-health,40701)

S. Sudan To Control Own Airspace

The Republic of South Sudan has today become the latest member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (CAO).

The new development means South Sudan can now control her airspace.

The South Sudanese Deputy Minister of Roads and Transport Mayom Kuoc Malek broke the news to the press in Juba.

“Today, the 10th of November 2011 the Republic of South Sudan becomes the 191st member state of the CAO. On 16th of this month the CAO Director for East and Southern Africa region office will visit South Sudan to welcome the country as a member of the CAO”, Malek said.

He explained that the Director will brief the ministry on the policies of the organisation and establish a roadmap for South Sudan to fulfill the obligations of the CAO’s convention as a new country.

Malek said that by joining CAO South Sudan will reap added political and economic benefits.

“It is unfortunate that even after attaining independence, South Sudan’s airspace has been under Khartoum’s control”, he said.

At the same time, Malek revealed plans by the government to establish a national carrier.
Link (http://www.oyetimes.com/news/105-africa/15320-s-sudan-to-control-own-airspace)

Clean Water To Trickle Into Wau Homes

By James Deng Dimo

A multi-million water treatment plant is being constructed in the Western Bahr el State capital Wau.

http://www.gurtong.net/Portals/0/GlobalResources/EN/images/Editorial/water%20treatment%20works%20on%20Jur%20River%20in%20Wau.jpg
The water treatment works on Jur River in Wau. [©Gurtong]

WAU, 16 November 2011 [Gurtong] - Construction of the water project that targets over 100,000 households is being funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) at a cost of USD 8 million.

The cost will cover extension of pipelines and installation of water tanks within the town.

The water and sanitation engineer at Louis Berger, the firm undertaking the work, Kola Fakorede told Gurtong that the plant targets water supply to households as well as government offices and private businesses.

He said that water kiosks will also be constructed at strategic points in order to enable low income earners access clean water.

The water project will be ready for use in the next two years.

Once complete, officers from the Wau Urban Water Corporation will be trained on how to use the water pumping machines.
Gurtong (http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ID/6037/Default.aspx)

Juba-Nimule Road

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/5894/31279110150313893661451.jpg

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/4725/31279110150313893646451.jpg

^^ :cheers:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/395483_3156779882405_1352475837_3379648_1396559929_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/402857_3156747881605_1352475837_3379626_1314966667_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/401537_3156758521871_1352475837_3379640_1368179919_n.jpg

^^ Great post...:cheers:

i passed there 6 months ago and the work was moving fast.

i passed there 6 months ago and the work was moving fast.

Welcome to SSC @Atakautiak. Yeah...Apparently it should be finished by April and judging by the recent pics, it's well on time.

That last picture post was beautiful. Now wait for the railway lines. :)

UAE billionaire expresses readiness to invest in South Sudan

September 29, 2011 (JUBA) – A group of investors from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates have expressed their readiness to invest in major projects in South Sudan.

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/3381/vpriekmacharmeetingwith.jpg
South Sudan VP Riek Machar (R) and Sheikh Buti Saeed (L), Juba, September 29, 2011 (ST)

South Sudan became an independent state on 9 July 2011 and still lacks infrastructure and basic services after years of underinvestment and more than two decades of civil war with North Sudan.

On Thursday a Dubai billionaire, Sheikh Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, led a delegation to Juba to assess the investment potentials.

He met with the South Sudan vice president, Riek Machar and was briefed on the major projects which require investment.

The projects include an international airport at Tali, north of Juba – the current capital.

Machar also briefed them on agriculture, roads, railways, refineries, pipelines, hydroelectric power dams and the building of the new capital in Ramciel, among others.

Saeed expressed his interest in providing investment in some of the major projects.

(ST)
More development is what the South needs the most. Glad investors are coming in;)

Great updates

South Sudan officials welcome Israel’s Spacecom

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 |

Israel’s communications satellite company Spacecom, hope recent discussions with South Sudan will boost their communications and telecommunications industry role in the world’s youngest nation .

http://www.itnewsafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/1698899851.jpg

Spacecom’s AMOS-5 satellite, serving Africa, began commercial operations on 25 January 2012 (image: World Tribune)

South Sudan’s Telecommunications Ministry said officials discussed potential future cooperation in a statement. Reportedly, future meetings have been arranged with other Israeli telecoms, aerospace and technology companies.

South Sudan hopes their relationship with Israel will assist in producing high-end communications technology in the near future to bolster industry. Telecoms is struggling with the country’s poor infrastructure.

Spacecom’s AMOS-5 satellite serving Africa began commercial operations 25 January this year. The company said on its website it is primed to be a premier satellite communications carrier for African in terms of broadcast and data in the near future.

“As we build up our infrastructure, Israel and its industries provide ample experience of best practices which we can emulate,” said Maj. Gen Madut Biar Yel, South Sudan’s Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services.

Link (http://www.itnewsafrica.com/2012/02/south-sudan-officials-welcome-israels-spacecom/)

Russia to help South Sudan with IT investments, media

Tuesday 14 February 2012 | 11:08 CET

The Russian Kaskad Company for telecommunication development and investment has pledged to provide the Republic of South Sudan with the latest media and telecommunications technology. The firm's Director General, Alexander Ilin, announced the assistance following a meeting with South Sudan's Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Barnaba Marial Benjamin. Ilin said Russia is ready to deliver the latest radio and television technologies to South Sudan. He said training has already been organised for twenty journalists and that soon, they will bring in experts to help improve the media in the young country. The minister appealed to the other friendly nations to assist the young state, saying that it is beginning from zero.

Link (http://www.telecompaper.com/news/russia-to-help-south-sudan-with-it-investments-media)

Vizada Networks...Solution For South Sudan... (SATCOM)

March 12, 2012

The Republic of South Sudan’s administration has selected the Astrium owned satellite and telecommunications specialist........Vizada Networks to provide interim Internet connectivity and voice services for domestic and international official use.

http://www.satnews.com/images_upload/1768645683/VizadaNetworks_Viznet.jpg

The interim connectivity is for three months and was agreed on February 24th, 2012, with service delivery starting during March 2012. The Vizada Networks delivery will be based on the Viznet Broadband service, providing the South Sudan Ministry of Telecom and postal services officials with capacity of 2mbps uplink and 4mbps downlink. A 7.3m C-band VSAT antenna already in place at the Ministry of Telecom premises will be used for the transmission, while a WiMAX solution will be established by Vizada Networks’ established local partner, Unitel Communications Ltd., to further distribute the service to administration offices in Juba.

The Viznet Broadband service that Vizada Networks is deploying in Juba is a standardized, high-quality service providing high-speed connectivity with dedicated bandwidth and guaranteed CIR. It is partially built upon Vizada Networks’ next generation JanUX Mark II solution and is differentiated by the integration of proprietary, industry leading bandwidth management, ACM and centralized remote monitoring and control that offer added value in terms of costs, quality and availability.

Link (http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=622931695)

الخرطوم تخفض رسوم عبور نفط الجنوب
الثلاثاء, 13 مارس 2012 23:11 التحديث الأخير ( الأربعاء, 14 مارس 2012 00:03 )

الجاز: نعتقد أن 32 دولارا رسوم عادلة
خفض السودان الرسوم التي يطلبها مقابل عبور صادرات نفط الجنوب عبر خطوطه، ومعالجة الخام في مصافيه، إلى 32.20 دولارا للبرميل من 36 دولارا، في مسعى لحل النزاع الذي دفع جنوب السودان إلى وقف إنتاجه النفطي.

ونقلت رويترز عن وزير النفط السوداني عوض الجاز القول "نتوقع أن تكون هذه الجولة أكثر إيجابية مما قبلها".


وقال الجاز إن الخرطوم تعتقد أن 32 دولارا رسوم عادلة لأنها تملك جميع المنشآت وتقدم كل الخدمات.


لكن حتى مع خفض الرسوم التي يطلبها السودان فإن هناك فجوة كبيرة حيث يعرض الجنوب دفع أقل من دولار واحد للبرميل مقابل ضخ نفطه شمالا للتصدير من ميناء بورتسودان على ساحل البحر الأحمر.


وقال الجاز إن حكومة جنوب السودان في جوبا لا تريد أن تدفع شيئا لأنها تتصرف كما لو كان الجانبان كيانا واحدا، وأضاف "نحن دولتان مختلفتان الآن". وأعرب عن أمله في أن يعرض الوسيط شيئا يقبله الطرفان.


يُذكر أن دولة الجنوب أوقفت إنتاجها النفطي البالغ 350 ألف برميل يوميا في يناير، وطلب السودان آنذاك ستة دولارات وإعادة التفاوض بشأن رسوم استخدام خط الأنابيب والمعالجة، وهو ما رفع التكاليف إلى 36 دولارا للبرميل.

Translation it mainly says that Sudan decreased fees to the south sudan oil through Sudan from 36 dollars to 32.20 dollars :) congrats South

الخرطوم تخفض رسوم عبور نفط الجنوب
الثلاثاء, 13 مارس 2012 23:11 التحديث الأخير ( الأربعاء, 14 مارس 2012 00:03 )

الجاز: نعتقد أن 32 دولارا رسوم عادلة
خفض السودان الرسوم التي يطلبها مقابل عبور صادرات نفط الجنوب عبر خطوطه، ومعالجة الخام في مصافيه، إلى 32.20 دولارا للبرميل من 36 دولارا، في مسعى لحل النزاع الذي دفع جنوب السودان إلى وقف إنتاجه النفطي.

ونقلت رويترز عن وزير النفط السوداني عوض الجاز القول "نتوقع أن تكون هذه الجولة أكثر إيجابية مما قبلها".


وقال الجاز إن الخرطوم تعتقد أن 32 دولارا رسوم عادلة لأنها تملك جميع المنشآت وتقدم كل الخدمات.


لكن حتى مع خفض الرسوم التي يطلبها السودان فإن هناك فجوة كبيرة حيث يعرض الجنوب دفع أقل من دولار واحد للبرميل مقابل ضخ نفطه شمالا للتصدير من ميناء بورتسودان على ساحل البحر الأحمر.


وقال الجاز إن حكومة جنوب السودان في جوبا لا تريد أن تدفع شيئا لأنها تتصرف كما لو كان الجانبان كيانا واحدا، وأضاف "نحن دولتان مختلفتان الآن". وأعرب عن أمله في أن يعرض الوسيط شيئا يقبله الطرفان.


يُذكر أن دولة الجنوب أوقفت إنتاجها النفطي البالغ 350 ألف برميل يوميا في يناير، وطلب السودان آنذاك ستة دولارات وإعادة التفاوض بشأن رسوم استخدام خط الأنابيب والمعالجة، وهو ما رفع التكاليف إلى 36 دولارا للبرميل.

Translation it mainly says that Sudan decreased fees to the south sudan oil through Sudan from 36 dollars to 32.20 dollars :) congrats South

What a joke.

الخرطوم تخفض رسوم عبور نفط الجنوب
الثلاثاء, 13 مارس 2012 23:11 التحديث الأخير ( الأربعاء, 14 مارس 2012 00:03 )

الجاز: نعتقد أن 32 دولارا رسوم عادلة
خفض السودان الرسوم التي يطلبها مقابل عبور صادرات نفط الجنوب عبر خطوطه، ومعالجة الخام في مصافيه، إلى 32.20 دولارا للبرميل من 36 دولارا، في مسعى لحل النزاع الذي دفع جنوب السودان إلى وقف إنتاجه النفطي.

ونقلت رويترز عن وزير النفط السوداني عوض الجاز القول "نتوقع أن تكون هذه الجولة أكثر إيجابية مما قبلها".


وقال الجاز إن الخرطوم تعتقد أن 32 دولارا رسوم عادلة لأنها تملك جميع المنشآت وتقدم كل الخدمات.


لكن حتى مع خفض الرسوم التي يطلبها السودان فإن هناك فجوة كبيرة حيث يعرض الجنوب دفع أقل من دولار واحد للبرميل مقابل ضخ نفطه شمالا للتصدير من ميناء بورتسودان على ساحل البحر الأحمر.


وقال الجاز إن حكومة جنوب السودان في جوبا لا تريد أن تدفع شيئا لأنها تتصرف كما لو كان الجانبان كيانا واحدا، وأضاف "نحن دولتان مختلفتان الآن". وأعرب عن أمله في أن يعرض الوسيط شيئا يقبله الطرفان.


يُذكر أن دولة الجنوب أوقفت إنتاجها النفطي البالغ 350 ألف برميل يوميا في يناير، وطلب السودان آنذاك ستة دولارات وإعادة التفاوض بشأن رسوم استخدام خط الأنابيب والمعالجة، وهو ما رفع التكاليف إلى 36 دولارا للبرميل.

Translation it mainly says that Sudan decreased fees to the south sudan oil through Sudan from 36 dollars to 32.20 dollars :) congrats South

What does this have to do with South Sudan Infrastructure? :nuts: Delete or edit your post.

South Sudan eyes Hydro-power

By Hereward Holland

Wed Mar 21, 2012 2:17pm GMT

JUBA (Reuters) - South Sudan is planning to build about half a dozen hydro-power and thermal power plants to help end blackouts and attract investment to manufacturing industries, an electricity official said on Wednesday.

"We are trying to base our planning strategy on our two indigenous resources, that is petroleum and hydro."

The hope is to tap the energy potential of the Nile River. This will start with building of a 40 MW hydro-power station near the capital in the next three years, Loku Moyu said.

In the long term, the government plans to build two 200 MW hydro-power facilities and a 540 MW plant that would each take five to seven years to complete, he said.

More Here (http://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFJOE82K05520120321)

South Sudan to complete new airport terminal, eyes port

March 28, 2012

Business Recorder Logo South Sudan plans to mark its emergence onto the world stage as an independent oil producer by completing a new airport terminal in June as a showcase for business visitors to the capital Juba, a government official said on Thursday.

"It is our highest priority," Deputy Transport Minister Mayom Kuoc Malek told Reuters.

Money for the prestige project has now been secured, after funding problems and other snags prevented its completion in time for independence celebrations last July, he said.

Some 22 airlines serve Juba International Airport, mostly from African neighbours such as Kenya and Ethiopia, and South Sudan has long wanted to replace the elderly airport building, with its poor security and long bench instead of a luggage carousel.

The new terminal will show the modern face of South Sudan to the rising number of foreign executives tapping high-risk, high-return business opportunities in the central African state.

Malek, speaking on the sidelines of an investment conference, said the government is confident it will also obtain funds to extend the airport runway and build a new taxiway within two years. "We are rehabilitating the runway.

It hasn't been repaired for a long, long time," he noted.

After decades of north-south civil war in Sudan, a peace agreement in 2005 allowed the south to secede, which it did last year, becoming South Sudan on July 9.

The new government has found it difficult to assert control over its territory and launch infrastructure projects, and President Salva Kiir routinely cites corruption as a barrier to development.

Malek said that South Sudan hoped to secure funding from private investors or international organisations to build three new airports, including one in the Tali area to serve Ramciel, where the government plans to move its capital at some point, and one in Bentiu, in oil-producing Unity state.

"This is long term," he said, declining to specify the time frame or sources of funding.

"As a landlocked country we need good access." The government also plans to move its main port on the White Nile from Juba to Mangala in the centre of the country, he said.

"River transport is the cheapest," he said.

South Sudan used to import many of its needs from Sudan via Nile trade, but the land borders have been closed for most of the time since independence because of tension and fighting on the Sudanese side of the border.

Link (http://www.brecorder.com/business-a-economy/189/1169731/)

South Sudan eyes Hydro-power

By Hereward Holland



More Here (http://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFJOE82K05520120321)

:cheers:

EU offers technical support for South Sudan air transport

Brussels, Belgium – The European Union (EU) is to send a technical mission to South Sudan to work on tightening security at the airport of Juba, the country’s capital.

By sending the mission called 'EUAVSEC-South Sudan, the European Union will help South Sudan,' which gained independence in July last year, to become 'a viable, stable and prosperous State', a statement from the European Union service made available to the press in Brussels said on Thursday.

South Sudan, a landlocked country depending on air trafficking, says the statement which stresses that the tightening of airport safety will help increase the movement of passengers and goods, as well improve trade.

The mandate EUAVSEC-South Sudan, would consist of ensuring training and the monitoring of safety services, supplying advice and assistance in terms of air safety and receiving support to the coordination of activities related to safety.

The European Union has made available the amount of 12.5 million euro for that mission, based in Juba, which will begin activities in September this year for a 19-month duration and will include a 64-member staff.

Link (http://www.afriquejet.com/belgium-eu-offers-technical-support-for-south-sudan-air-transport-2012062240865.html)

Japan funds $50 million infrastructure projects

Thursday, 28 June 2012 | Muna Tesfai

The government of Japan has signed a grant of $50 million for three infrastructure projects in South Sudan.

The projects include the construction of a new bridge across River Nile to serve alongside the already existing Juba Bridge. The Ministry of Roads and Bridges and the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) last year agreed on the basic design of a 560m two-lane permanent sctructure bridge accompanied with a 3.65km approach.

The second project is the construction of a water treatment plant that would increase access to safe water. The project would involve the laying of 50km long distribution pipes and installing 120 public water taps and 8 water tank stations. It is expected that this should significantly increase the supply of safe water to over 400,000 people in Juba ten times the current capacity.

The third project is the expansion of Juba river port to handle the increasing volumes of passenger and cargo traffic. The project will see the expansion of the existing capacity of the port to 233meters long, 7 berths permanent jetty with fully modernized cargo handling equipment, an access road and cargo handling yard.

Addressing journalists at the signing ceremony in Juba, the head of the Japan liaison office of the government of Japan in South Sudan, Hideo Fukushima said the projects would boost development.

"These three projects are approximately $50 million infrastructures in the ports and bridges minimal, and we saw that all this facilities need a further improvement and expenditure and we are going to do improvement on the facilities, on the bridge as you all know there is one temporary bridge over forty years old and that is only temporary and that is not enough for boosting trading of this country regional and internationally"

The deputy minister of international cooperation in ministry of foreign affairs, Elias Nyamlell Wakason, signed on behalf of the South Sudan government.

Nyamlell Wakason thanked the Japanese government for its support.

"We thank the Japanese government, the Japanese people for cooperating with us and we wish that this mutual cooperative relationship continuous and look at other projects probably next time not only in Juba here but we have to go to the rural areas and develop their"

Link (http://www.mirayafm.org/index.php/economy-news/8831-japan-funds-50-million-infrastructure-projects)

S.Sudan Says China to Help Build New Airport in Juba
(WCARN.com/Reuters, Aug. 17)

South Sudan said on Friday China would help build a new airport in the capital Juba, completing a project that has highlighted the government's struggle to execute infrastructure projects.

South Sudan has been trying to build up efficient state institutions and start development despite netting in billions of dollars in oil revenues since a 2005 peace agreement with Sudan.

The government had planned to have a new airport terminal ready for independence celebrations in July 2011 but works have been hampered for years by funding problems and poor planning.

more: http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/20/20916.html

NwbD8sSU55c

TNRZa9fGp3E

http://theworldandasti.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/550215_981163768394_785466958_n1.jpeg?w=640&h=480

Juba-Nimule Road....

^^:cheers:

http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Daily+Life+in+Juba+d3I6x5kV5nrx.jpg

S.Sudan Says China to Help Build New Airport in Juba
(WCARN.com/Reuters, Aug. 17)



more: http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/20/20916.html

http://www.jndvirtual.us/eap/images/juba_render_mp.jpg

http://www.jndvirtual.us/eap/images/juba_ade_mp.png

Master plan....

http://a-w.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/juba-200-1.jpghttp://a-w.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/juba-200-2.jpg

New terminal (partly completed).....

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQq3vKKEQMTlHLFufdVq4MiguWsYGMxEKqfUXJqjujbH4PNaLM1MQ&t=1http://www.gurtong.net/Portals/0/GlobalResources/EN/images/Editorial/Anthony%20Lino%20Makana%20speaking%20ps.jpg

$15 billion needed to link South Sudan to neighbours

Tuesday, 11 September 2012

The Ministry of Roads and Bridges says it needs between 12 and 15 billion US dollars to open up twelve thousand (12,000) kilometers of road network linking South Sudan to neighboring countries.

The Minister of Roads and Bridges Gier Chuang Aluong says the money will be sourced from loans.

Speaking to journalists in Juba, Gier Chuang Aluong said the roads will link South Sudan to Djibouti, Kenya and Ethiopia.

Gier Chuang Aluong also said plans are underway to rehabilitate the Juba –Yei to Kaya road and other feeder roads across the ten states.

Meanwhile the one hundred and ninety two (192) kilometer Juba- Nimule road which was funded by the United States government through – USAID - will officially be handed over to the South Sudan government on Wednesday.

South Sudan plans China-backed $2.5 bln university project

By Alexander Dziadosz and Hereward Holland

JUBA, Sept 13 (Reuters) - South Sudan plans to build five new university campuses with $2.5 billion in oil-backed loans from China, a minister said on Thursday, to boost education in a country where just over a quarter of adults can read.

More at reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/13/southsudan-education-idUSL5E8KD83Z20120913)

South Sudan plans China-backed $2.5 bln university project

By Alexander Dziadosz and Hereward Holland

JUBA, Sept 13 (Reuters) - South Sudan plans to build five new university campuses with $2.5 billion in oil-backed loans from China, a minister said on Thursday, to boost education in a country where just over a quarter of adults can read.

More at reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/13/southsudan-education-idUSL5E8KD83Z20120913)

This is brilliant news! :cheers:

^^ Indeed...:cheers:

Cheaper connectivity through fibre network

By Russell Southwood | 15 September 2012

South Sudan’s Juba and Eritrea’s Asmara were the only two African capitals without plans to introduce international fibre links.

Now the South Sudan Government is moving towards working out what its plans will be. Russell Southwood looks at plans in the wings and what the options are.

South Sudan’s Government (through the ministry, MoTPS and the Presidential Commission on Infrastructure) is now beginning to address one of its key communications infrastructure problems: the lack of international fibre connections for its capital Juba.

Its three mobile operators (MTN, Vivicell and Zain) and its ISPs currently use expensive satellite connectivity, which the Government estimates it costs US$32,300 a month.

Zain is the Kuwaiti owned company that sold its African operations to Airtel and Vivicell is locally owned but has had Lebanese investment.

We understand that Zain imported fibre and equipment to roll out national routes but was told to stop by the Government. Furthermore, we’ve been told that one of the mobile companies has a microwave link down to the border. MTN also issued a tender to build a national backbone.

In an announcement at the end of August, Juma Stephen Lugga, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Telecommunications and Postal Services said the Government was looking to build three fibre routes to Juba: from Kenya’s Mombasa via Lokichoggio; from Tanzania via Uganda to the border at Nimule; from Djibouti via Ethiopia’s Gambella. There are clearly no plans to connect to northern Sudan.

Lugga said that initially it will fund the building of a microwave link (which would cost US$10 million), after which the fibre routes would be put in place.

The World Bank and the African Development Bank are in discussion with the Ministry to look at how they might make a substantial grant for among other things both national and international fibre links.

The World Bank usually looks for Private Public Partnerships based on open access principles and this case looks no different from any other. Later in September it will enter into dialogue with the Government and the private sector to look at options for further study.

During his announcement at the end of August Juma Stephen Lugga, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Telecommunications and Postal Services said the Government was looking at Chinese finance for these plans.

From a separate source we understand that a Government representative has visited one of the Chinese infrastructure providers and that informally the Chinese have offered a loan of US$5 billion.

There are clearly a couple of potential options for the development of both the national and international fibre networks. These include:


A Chinese-funded build-out by Huawei or ZTE. Both can be very capable infrastructure builders. However, the choice of this option is haunted by the experience of Uganda. The fibre network built there was not dug deep enough and the loan appeared expensive for what was delivered. It seems that the heart of the problem was the lack of capacity to manage the Chinese contractors effectively. The same circumstance would also be found in South Sudan where capacity of this kind is in short supply and there is no incumbent in which such capacity might be found. However, once built, it is unclear who would operate the network: the Chinese on a Build and Transfer basis? A new state entity? A local private entity with links to the Government?


World Bank financed fibre infrastructure options have been set up across a wide range of countries and have common elements. The private sector generally gets to sit on the board of the entity that will manage the fibre. Access to the fibre is on open access principles so that all operators get the same access and pricing. Its funding usually ensures that there is greater access: for example, they might insist that South Sudan’s 10 provincial capitals are all connected. However, at present there is only regular electricity in Juba so this may pose significant challenges. We understand that some of the mobile operators have agreed privately in principle to put up some of the funding for the international routes.

A number of potential network operators have put up plans to the Government and clearly there needs to be an open and transparent process for selecting whoever eventually gets to build and manage the network. Also there should be no confusion between the public interest and the interests of those in Government.

Link (http://businesstech.co.za/news/international/22186/cheaper-connectivity-through-fibre-network/)

Juba-Nimule highway inaugurated

JUBA, 13 September 2012 - The President of the Republic of South Sudan H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, on Wednesday September 12, 2012 inaugurated Juba-Nimule road of 192 Kms, after being handed over to the Government of the Republic of South Sudan by the USAID.


http://www.goss-online.org/magnoliaPublic/en/news/mainColumnParagraphs/01111114/content_files/file0/H.E%20Kiir,%20US%20Amb.%20and%20Hon%20Aloung%20inspecting%20the%20road.%20by%20Thomas%20Kenneth.E%20Kiir,%20US%20Amb.%20and%20Hon%20Aloung%20inspecting%20the%20road.%20by%20Thomas%20Kenneth.jpg

http://www.goss-online.org/magnoliaPublic/en/news/mainColumnParagraphs/01111114/content_files/file/H.E%20Kiir%20inaugurates%20the%20road.%20By%20Thomas%20Kenneth.E%20Kiir%20inaugurates%20the%20road.%20By%20Thomas%20Kenneth.jpg

http://www.goss-online.org/magnoliaPublic/en/news/mainColumnParagraphs/01111114/content_files/file1/Juba-Nimule%20termacked%20road.%20By%20Thomas%20Kenneth.%20By%20Thomas%20Kenneth.jpg

(NASS)

^^ :cheers1:

South Sudan aims to add to power grid

By Reuters | September 17 2012

South Sudan is aiming to finish two power projects for a combined $350 million by 2015 with foreign backing despite an oil shutdown that has erased almost all of the newly-independent country's revenues, the electricity minister said.

South Sudan has been facing severe power outages since it seceded from Sudan over a year ago under a 2005 peace deal that ended decades of civil war. Most businesses in South Sudan rely on costly diesel generators to keep the lights on.

South Sudan used to import fuel from refineries in Sudan with local currency for its 15-megawatt generators, but it now needs to use hard currency to import it, Electricity and Dams Minister David Deng Athorbei said.

A lack of spare parts and fuel had forced the country to shut off generators, Athorbei said. “Fuel and spare parts cannot be got easily, and then the loans we actually were expecting are not coming through.”

He said the shutdown disrupted various projects which had been about to secure funding because lenders have declined to advance project funding until crude flows resume.

Delayed projects included a deal to build $300 million worth of power lines over three years to tap into Ethiopia's national grid, which China had been supposed to fund, Athorbei said.

NEW DAMS

Athorbei said the country was still going ahead with some projects, like the $100 million Fula Dam in Nimule near the Ugandan border to generate about 40 megawatts.

He said South Sudan would provide about 25 percent of the funds, the Norwegian government would put in 50 percent and the rest would come from the private sector.

Work was expected to start in Feb. 2013 and finish within two years, he said.

South Sudan is also planning to build a crude-consuming 300-megawatt thermal plant in its oil-rich Unity state, which will cost about $250 million and finish by 2015, Athorbei said.

He said South Sudan was requesting the amount as a loan from India and that an Indian company had already expressed interest in the project.

Eventually, the power-starved country hopes to be net exporter of electricity to its neighbours.

One of the most ambitious plans is the construction of a 540-megawatt Bedden dam across the White Nile south of Juba, but the government has not yet provided details of funding for the $1.5 billion, seven-to-eight-year project.

Link (http://http://www.iol.co.za/business/international/south-sudan-aims-to-add-to-power-grid-1.1384933#.UFj5Y64ubQo)

Greek billionaire wants to invest in specialized hospitals in South Sudan

September 19, 2012 (ATHENS) – A Greek billionaire has invited senior government officials to his country in order to acquaint themselves with his company’s established specialized network of hospitals which he wants to replicate in South Sudan.
http://www.sudantribune.com/local/cache-vignettes/L406xH280/vice_president_dr._riek_machar_and_founder_of_axon_group-fd540.jpg
Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar and founder of Axon Group of Companies pose picture in front of one of the Euromedica hospital (ST)

Axon Group of Companies invited to Greece the Vice President of the Republic, Riek Machar, who also heads the economic and services clusters in the cabinet, and the minister of Health, Michael Milly Hussein, for a one-day visit to have firsthand information on the capacity of the company, which has already built over 65 specialized hospitals around the world.

Thomas N. Liakonakos, the founder and owner of the Axon Group of Companies networks, during the meeting with the Vice President in Greece’s historical city of Thessaloniki, on Tuesday said he was ready to establish a network of specialized hospitals in South Sudan.
With its specialized branch of Euromedica, the company is the largest private healthcare provider in Greece, which operates a nationwide network of 86 hospitals, medical centers, rehabilitation, and wellness centers.

He toured the Vice President through three different modern specialized multi storey hospitals which he built in Thessaloniki, assuring that his company would build similar state of the art hospitals in the 14-month old nation.

The Vice President’s Press Secretary, James Gatdet Dak, told the Sudan Tribune that the trip to Greece was part of the government’s drive to attract such investors to the country and help the new nation in its efforts to fill the wide development gap, especially in the provision of quality health services.

He said the company is ready to further discuss the details of the project with the ministry of Health so that an agreement is reached to kick start the process of building the hospitals.

ST (http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article43940)

World Bank To Fund South Sudan-Kenya Highway


By: Peter Lokale Nakimangole | Monday, 22 October 2012

The minister assured that the construction will commence within 90 days and US$ 75 Million has been released to enable the construction.

He said the whole project will cost US$ 360 Million and could be completed in three to four years.

The minister appreciates the World Bank for great commitment to funding government’s plan to connect the country to get linked to Kenya saying this will enhance trade and industry between the two countries.

Nadapal, the main border linking South Sudan to Kenya is where the construction of road will commences.

Kenya and South Sudan are in talks to construct a US$ 1 billion road linking Eldoret to Juba to enhance trade between the two countries.

Kenya’s Roads’ minister Franklin Bett said plans are underway to start the project, once the design is complete and financing is secured from development partners.

The 920 kilometre Eldoret-Juba road is critical to enhancing trade between the two countries. The two ministries said they have requested the World Bank to finance the project.

Detailed design consultancy has been concluded on the South Sudan side, but the same is to be completed on Kenyan side by April 2013.

The road would have a one-stop border post at Nadapal, axle load facilities and social amenities like boreholes and security outposts.

South Sudan minister for Roads and Bridges, Mr Gier Aluong, said the country’s citizens have put the government under pressure to upgrade the road network, which has immense social, economic and geopolitical importance.

Link (http://www.oyetimes.com/news/africa/30734-world-bank-to-fund-south-sudan-kenya-highway)

^^ Good to see this project finally getting off. It's been awhile since feasibility was conducted.

SMEC:Nadapal-Juba Road Feasibility (http://www.smec.com/Default.aspx?aProjId=646)

Rumbek Airstrip Upgrading Work Begins

Rumbek Airstrip is being upgraded into an international airport to boost socio-economic and political development in South Sudan. Lakes State Governor Tong Chol told Gurtong in an exclusive interview that construction works on the airstrip have been launched.

http://www.gurtong.net/Portals/0/GlobalResources/EN/images/Editorial/excuvator%20Rumbek%20and%20Yirol%20road.jpg
Excavator carrying out repair works on Rumbek-Yirol road in Lakes State. [Gurtong | File]

By Waakhe Simon Wudu

JUBA, 24 October 2012 [Gurtong] - “Already the work is on process the consultant is been identified and designs are already ready including the bill of quantities. So it is going to be upgraded, tarmacked and improved into international standards,” Tong explained.

“The upgrading is also a preparation for the up coming independence second adversary. It is being funded by the national government,” Tong added.

Lakes State borders five states in South Sudan and was identified as a place where the second South Sudan independence anniversary will be held in July next year.

Tong believes with the strategic position of the State, upgrading the airstrip into an international airport will economically boost growth in the region.

“It will economically help for supply of goods faster to the neighboring states,” Tong said. He said the cargos of now could not land on the strip which will be possible when upgraded into a standard airport.

YAHSAT GEARS UP TO LAUNCH KA-BAND SATELLITE BROADBAND IN SOUTH SUDAN

JUBA, South Sudan, November 22, 2012. The Abu Dhabi, UAE, based satellite operator, is gearing up to launch its innovative YahClick “broadband everyone” satellite service in South Sudan over the coming months. The hotly anticipated service is set to provide wide reaching, high performance, satellite broadband Internet to unserved and underserved locations and communities across the country.

Yahsat selected local based Internet Service Provider RCS-Communication as their Service Partner for South Sudan based on RCS-Communication's in-country experience, proven track record of delivering new and innovative services and a common focus to bring faster and more affordable Internet connectivity to a wide range of users.

Commenting on the upcoming launch, Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani, Yahsat CEO, stated,

“As the world's youngest country, South Sudan is facing multiple infrastructure building priorities. YahClick brings internet connectivity instantly to the population, irrespective of the state of the local telecommunications infrastructure that is within their reach. YahClick therefore fast tracks connectivity to this young country beyond what is humanly possible with the time and expense it takes to expand fixed or wireless internet solutions.

“Providing much needed internet connectivity to a new nation presents YahClick with tremendous opportunity as well as pride in helping address at least one of the many requirements of this young country. Having affordable, reliable and instantly available high performance internet will be a fundamental tool to help new and established businesses and individuals in South Sudan achieve their full potential.”

Flippie Odendal, RCS-Communication, Republic of South Sudan, Managing Director stated, “YahClick is the first Ka-band satellite internet service in Africa that offers true broadband speeds at affordable prices. We are proud to bring the service to South Sudan and anticipate a wide interest across the country.”

“Based on anticipated growth we will be adding and training VSAT technicians and support staff (with a focus on South Sudanese candidates) to our existing team. Parallel to this process we will be running extensive tests of the new service and processes over the next months to ensure all aspects are working well before the service is made available to clients.”

Yahsat believes in providing individuals with a platform to access information no matter their geographical location, thus enabling them, through the power of information to enhance and help change their world in order for them to have a positive economic and societal impact on the world around them.

Al Hosani added, “Our YahClick service aims to bring broadband to everyone and deliver the power of Internet collaboration to individuals and global communities across three continents. We believe it is the right of every individual to have high speed and reliable Internet. Our team is excited about the prospect of helping connect a portion of the world's un-served communities in the Republic of South Sudan and providing them with the tools to aid their own success.”

Link (http://www.starafrica.com/en/news/detail-news/view/yahsat-gears-up-to-launch-ka-band-satell-261949.html)

South Sudan inks agreement to meet 2015 digital world initiative

JUBA, 13 December 2012 (NASS) - As the whole world struggles to migrate from analog into digital communication systems, South Sudan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting yesterday inked an agreement with ZTE, a Chinese Telecommunication Company, to assist the Republic of South Sudan meet the 2015 digital world initiative expectations.


According to the minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin, this 51 million dollar project only targets the first phase which revolves around equipment and infrastructure. He announced that the project will be funded by Chinese government through Exim-Bank.


http://www.goss-online.org/magnoliaPublic/en/news/mainColumnParagraphs/011111111116/content_files/file/DSC_0238.jpg
Dr Benjamin signing the agreement with ZTE representatives.


Dr Benjamin emphasised that the government is keen to transform communication systems in the country from analog to digital in spite of the economic challenges it currently faces. He said this will be achieved through the support of friendly nations and development partners.


ZTE leaders emphasised that South Sudan has no option but move towards digital communication or risk exclusion. They said ZTE is committed to support South Sudan to take the necessary steps to realise the analog-digital migration in the shortest time possible.

(NASS)

South Sudan, Kenya border post to get a major facelift

By NATION CORRESPONDENT | Thursday, December 27 2012

The border post between Kenya and South Sudan is set for a facelift after the German government released a grant of Sh1.13 billion (10 million Euros) for infrastructure projects at border crossings in the region.

The funds will be channeled through the German Development Bank (KFW) and will become available in 2013.

The money will be used by the Common Market for East and South Africa (Comesa) and the African Union Commission (AUC) to scale up trade related infrastructure in border areas of countries that have recently emerged from conflict in the Great Lakes Region.

Infrastructure

“There will be a funding window to the Comesa Trading for Peace programme with specific focus on establishing small-scale infrastructure at selected borders to facilitate cross border trade and cooperation,” reads a statement from Comesa in part.

In addition to the Kenya-South Sudan border, the project will also be implemented on border posts in Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Markets, storage facilities, feeder roads and administrative infrastructure for customs and immigration officers will be constructed at each border posts.

Link (http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/Border-post-to-get-a-major-facelift/-/1006/1652634/-/wkqwlmz/-/index.html)

South Sudan plans submarine cable link in 2013

Wednesday 23 January 2013 | Telecompaper

South Sudan aims to lay a fibre-optic network this year to link the capital Juba with submarine cables in east Africa to cut the high cost of using the internet, Reuters reported. South Sudan is one of the most expensive countries in Africa for internet use, with the average retail price of internet bandwidth via satellite currently around USD 4,000 per MB. The government wants to cut that cost by reducing reliance on satellite bandwidth, said Juma Stephen, undersecretary at the telecommunication and postal services ministry. Stephen said the government aims to be connected to the submarine cable this year. Stephen gave no details about the average cost of bandwidth but said all South Sudan's ISPs use satellite-based VSat, Wi-Fi and Wimax technology. South Sudan, which has 15 ISPs, is now doing a feasibility study on whether to connect with marine cables in Djibouti in the Red Sea or Kenya's Indian Ocean port of Mombasa, he said. The country also hopes to launch its internet domain .ss this year, to help the government set up its own email system, Stephen said. The government has also started to set up postal services with post offices open in South Sudan's five main cities.

Link (http://www.telecompaper.com/news/south-sudan-plans-submarine-cable-link-in-2013--920394)

Uganda, S. Sudan sign Shs1b bridge deal

Uganda and South Sudan have signed an agreement to construct a Shs1.6 billion bridge. According to the deal, South Sudan will also construct another road linking it to Uganda.

Traders have been losing their goods and lives on the river as they cross direct in the water. The bridge will be constructed on River Kaya, at the Uganda -South Sudan border.

More here (http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Uganda--S--Sudan-sign-Shs1b-bridge-deal/-/688334/1704130/-/60ls05z/-/index.html)