The Government of Southern Sudan has secured assistance from USAID to carry out major reconstruction of the badly eroded and impassable road. According to Mr Mark Wease of Louis the Berger Group, the 192-Km road would effectively boost trade between Uganda and south Sudan. Many Ugandan traders say the construction of the road would offer a great opportunity for trade because of smooth transportation of goods.

“This is good news for us who want to take advantage of the trade boom in Sudan. Those people still need our services but the bad state of the road was a major hindrance to us,” Mr Emmanuel Acidri, a Sudan-based Arua businessman said. Due to delays, several traders have had their merchandise perish before reaching intended consumers. About seven people perished in October over the bad status of road.

In South Sudan, there is high demand for cement, iron sheets, soft drinks and agricultural produce. Mr Wease said the other link to south Sudan through Gulu is also under construction.

– Borglobe