By Bosco Bush
Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Friday, last week donated a fleet of Grant Aid Vehicles for solid waste management to Juba City Council in a bid to improve garbage collection.
The donated machines include; 15 compactors, 2 container carriers and 2 containers.
“These vehicles are the second shipment of the JICA Grant Aid Project, the project for improvement of solid waste management in Juba City” said, Odagiri Toshio, Ambassador of Japan and Chief Representative of JICA.
Toshio added that JICA is aiming to construct a new workshop for vehicle maintenance, and will supply a total of 20 compactors, 5 dump trucks, 29 containers, 10 container carriers, 1 bulldozer, 1 backhoe loader and maintenance equipment to Juba City Council and Juba County.
Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State, Paulino Lukudu Obede commended the Japanese government’s support, urging the administration of Juba City Council to prioritize maintenance of vehicles for effective waste management across the city.
He also called on Juba residents to actively participate in keeping the city clean, nothing that “a clean city is a shared responsibility.”
Similarly, the Commissioner of Juba County, Emmanuel Tete expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for their support, emphasizing the importance of the new vehicles for improving waste management in Juba.
He explained the shared jurisdiction between Juba County and Juba City Council, particularly in areas like Gudele and Lologo – stressing the need for collaboration to overcome waste management challenges.
Despite existing difficulties, Tete acknowledged the commitment of local workers and underscored the urgent need for more vehicles to enhance garbage collection efforts.
JICA’s engagement in South Sudan is cross-cutting, targeting interventions in a wide array of sectors with the overall aim of improving South Sudan’s basic socio-economic structures, improving livelihoods, developing alternative industries, and strengthening governance and human security.