UNMISS South Korean engineers complete project in Bor

29 Aug 2014

UNMISS South Korean engineers complete project in Bor

28 August 2014 - To assist Bor residents in dealing with incessant flooding during the rainy season, UNMISS South Korean engineers recently completed a River Nile embankment project in the Jonglei state capital Bor.

Built along a 17 kilometre stretch of the river over a period of seven weeks, the project was aimed at protecting civilians in the area who are affected by severe flooding that sometimes leads to displacement from their homes.

The embankment, with a width of four to six metres and a height of two to four metres, is a metre higher than the anticipated river overflow at the peak of the rainy season. Construction also involved installing of drainage pumps and river improvement facilities.

“The embankment is a great development that will remove fears of flooding from the minds of the inhabitants of Bor town,” said Caretaker Governor John Kong Nyuon, who presided over the handover ceremony.

“The project signifies the mission’s commitment to work for humanity, especially when you consider that everybody left the comfort of homes and countries to work in such a remote area as Bor,” he added.

Mr. Nyuon expressed gratitude to UNMISS and the South Korean Contingent, who have also upgraded roads in and out of Bor town, as well as disposed of expired drugs and other solid waste from Bor hospital.

The governor revealed that the state government and the contingent had signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the construction of the Bor-Juba road, which is scheduled to start soon.

He acknowledged support from the National Ministry of Roads and Bridges, the Ministry of Defense for provision of security along the road during construction activities and the Central Equatoria State Government for provision of sand to construct the road.

“This road will play a crucial role in maintaining security and delivery of services,” said Mr. Nyuon.

UNMISS State Coordinator Hazel de Wet thanked the state government for its support and cooperation.

She reiterated the need for the mission and the government to strengthen ties towards the implementation of the UNMISS mandate.