By Philip Buda Ladu
South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit is set to preside inaugural ceremony of the long-awaited freedom bridge, Minister of Information and Government’s Spokesperson, Michael Makuei Lueth told media on Friday.
Makuei told journalists after the Council of Ministers’ meeting, saying the official ceremony will take place on the 19th of May 2022.
He stated that, the Minister of Roads and Bridges Simon Mijok Mijak has presented a report to the Cabinet that the Freedom Bridge construction is completed and ready for use.
The bridge was built by a grant from the Japanese Government through the Japan International Cooperation (JICA) which is the constructing authority doing the work at the site.
In addition, the Minister said that the Cabinet then fixed 19th May 2022 as the day for the President to commission the bridge that has been constructed through a grant from the Japanese Government to the people of South Sudan.
“We listened to information from the Minister of Roads and Bridges, Simon Mijok Mijak and he informed us that the Freedom Bridge is at present ready, and the commissioning of the bridge will be done by the President on the 19th of May 2022,” Minister Makuei told reporters.
He invited all the public to attend the inaugural ceremony of the bridge on the stipulated day.
He underscored that the Japanese through JICA are not only doing the Freedom Bridge project, but are working on many projects, including the construction of the Luri bridge and Kuburi Haboba bridge in Gudele.
JICA is also doing final touches on the Luri bridge and Kuburi Haboba bridge as minister Makuei said a date will be fixed in July this year for the two bridges to be commissioned.