By Philip Buda Ladu
National Council of Ministers has deferred discussions on a proposed joint dam construction project between Uganda and South Sudan, which was presented by the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation.
Pal Mai Deng, the minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, presented the project named Nyimur/Limur Multipurpose Water Resource Development Project between South Sudan and Uganda during the cabinet meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday.
Jacob Maiju Korok, the Deputy National Minister of Information, briefed the media shortly after the meeting.
He stated that the main objective of the project is to construct two dams aimed at improving irrigation and water supply in both Uganda and South Sudan. This initiative includes the establishment of irrigation schemes to provide water for people and livestock.
Korok noted that the total estimated cost of the project is $96 million, with $36 million allocated for the construction of the dam in South Sudan.
However, the project lacks the basics, especially its location and other terms.
“After thorough discussions at the council of ministers, the project is deferred with specific recommendations that the minister of water resources and irrigation has to unveil specific maps of the project areas and also that he should do consultations with other stakeholders, including communities, so it was not passed but rather deferred for further consultation,” Korok told reporters on Thursday.