By Bida Elly David
South Sudan government and the World Bank have jointly agreed to fight tragedies to set citizens free from uncertainties of economic shocks, continuous flooding, and draught, among others.
First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny and the minister of finance, Dier Tong, reached an understanding on the matter with Dr. Floribert Ngaruko, the World Bank’s Executive Director for Constituency Countries in the East and West African regions.
In a statement on the Facebook page of the first vice president, the World Bank demonstrated its interest in supporting South Sudan by extending funds to expand access to economic and livelihood opportunities for vulnerable households.
“The World Bank’s Executive Director also highlighted prospects of cooperation and partnership with the Government of South Sudan in areas of climate change and crisis response windows, among other global challenges,’’ the statement partly reads.
Dr. Floribert pities South Sudan on account of the dramatic flood events of the past years that triggered serious economic shocks and diseases that affected most livelihoods, particularly women and children.
The external and economic shocks that included severe flooding, the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, and macroeconomic instability have disproportionately impacted vulnerable households up to date.
The World Bank’s Executive Director Commended the First Vice President and the Government of South Sudan on the efforts exerted to consolidate peace in the country and advised them to invest much effort.
Poor infrastructure and lack of access to clean drinking water across the Country, Dr. Machar also pointed to the need to prioritize the construction of roads and attaining clean energy in South Sudan as top developmental projects.