UN Peacekeepers Rehabilitate Key Road in South Sudan
Some 600 people, including local authorities and citizens keen on the road's benefits, attended a Gimunu ceremony marking the rehabilitation's start.
JUBA, South Sudan — Improving security, reducing inter-communal violence and fostering harmonious coexistence between civilians and security forces are the hoped-for outcomes when U.N. peacekeepers rehabilitate a key 145-kilometer (90-mile) road connecting the South Sudanese counties of Yei, Lainya and Kajo-Keji, writes Winston Mwale.
The project by Bangladeshi peacekeepers with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan is underway in the conflict-affected Greater Yei area of Central Equatoria state, an important food source where many displaced people are starting to return home but struggling to rebuild.
"It has significantly reduced the travel time to reach Pokula, located 36 kilometers from Gimunu. This makes it possible for us to finish our daily activities in a timely manner," said Samuel Alawiya Moses, a youth leader in Gimunu.
Rose Sunday, a women's representative, praised the improved accessibility to essential services like education and health care after "living in darkness" displaced for years.
In addition to the road work, UNMISS has engaged in peacebuilding through dialogues and trainings with security forces, religious groups and communities to promote harmony.
"We are dedicated to supporting the people of South Sudan in fully implementing the revitalized peace agreement and creating an environment conducive for free and fair elections," said Sonny Onyegbula, the mission's Yei representative.
Some 600 people, including local authorities and citizens keen on the road's benefits, attended a Gimunu ceremony marking the rehabilitation's start.