By William Madouk
Government of South Sudan and Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia struck a deal on Thursday to construct a highway linking the two sisterly countries.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Finance, Dier Tong Ngor and Ethiopia’s state Finance minister Eyob Tekalign on behalf of their governments.
A Statement on Presidential Facebook page seen by this outlet, quoted President Salva Kiir Mayardit saying the trans-border road would strengthen ties, people’s relations and boost economy.
“The cross-border highway project would strengthen economic ties as well as enhance the free movement of people and goods in the Horn of Africa,” Kiir said.
For his part, the South Sudan minister of finance, Dier Tong Ngor emphasized that when the road is completed it could reduce prices across the East Africa region.
“When the road is completed, it will reduce the cost of doing business in the region,” Ngor noted.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s state Finance Minister Eyob Tekalign described the project as a ‘significant’ and ‘historic’ development. He added the project would bring people of the two countries together.
Two days ago, South Sudan minister of transport, Madut Biar Yel said they have developed an ambitious plan for South Sudan to be a land-linking country in the region rather than being landlock.
“Soon, we are going to connect Nadapal to Juba, and on Kenya to be followed by aerial part connectivity which also is part of LAPSSET project,” Yel said during the opening of LAPSSET 3rd ministerial meeting in Juba.
He added that there are two roads in Ethiopia that could be linked to South Sudan – one is to connect Boma via Bor through Kapoeta and that of Gambella.
“In the border of Ethiopia, we have two main road connections that is Gambella, Paloch, Fagak, Malakal and it will not end in Malakal, it will cross up to Unity State – oil rich state so that members of LAPSSET benefit from resources,” he noted.
Lamu Port, South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport or LAPSSET is an ambitious infrastructure project in Eastern Africa, connecting Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
It consists of seven key infrastructure projects, including a new 32-berth port at Lamu, interregional highways, crude oil pipelines, standard gauge railway lines, international airports, three resort cities, and a multipurpose high Grand falls dam.