By Hou Akot Hou
A long awaited Nyamlel Bridge in Aweil West County of Northern Bahr El Ghazal state has on Wednesday10th May, been opened for public use.
A mammoth crowd applauded European Union for funding through UNOPs which subcontracted Rhino Construction Company to implement the project,
Northern Bahr El-Ghazal governor, Tong Aken Ngor who led the state entourage joined the citizens in praising European Union, saying the river had claimed dozens of live of people, for years.
The governor recalled historical support the Dutch government has been offering to the people of Northern Bahr El-Ghazal, to date.
“The Dutch government has done a lot since 1960s, throughout the liberation struggle, they have not relented in supporting us” he said.
According to the governor, the government of South Sudan is working hard to ensure that services are delivered to the citizens whose role is to receive in good faith.
The local chiefs showed their happiness for the gift of the bridge with ululation during the inaugural ceremony.
Chief Majok Dut Deng said that he was delighted for 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. This so interesting” he commended.
On his part, the minister of roads and bridges, Simon Mijak Majok said he will ensure that the other parts of the country which are in disconnect in form of roads and bridges are also connected.
“We are coordinating with the international partners to ensure that other parts of the country which are cut off are connected” he stated.
It is hoped that the bridge will economically contribute to the livelihoods of the people of Aweil West and North as transport of the commodities and people will be much easier.
Netherland’s Ambassador to Juba, Therese Marjan Schippers and European Union delegation were among the guests who graced the memorable event.
