22 January 2015 - UNMISS Chinese peacekeepers today started rehabilitating a road leading from the Warrap State capital Kuajok to Turalei in Twic County.

To repair the 170km road which is always inaccessible during the rainy season, the engineering contingent will work in two phases.

The first phase will involve patching and laying of culverts, while the second phase will be full grading of the road.

Speaking at a ceremony to kick off the two-phase rehabilitation, UNMISS Acting State Coordinator Isaac Lappia said once completed the road would make it easier for the mission and the government to protect civilians including internally displaced people (IDPs).

“The rehabilitation of the road is in keeping with the mission’s mandate to provide access to and for humanitarian actors,” he added. “As you know this road lead to (the area) where 95 per cent of IDPs in the state (are seeking refuge).”

Mr. Lappia pledged that the mission was ready and would continue to collaborate with the state government in helping to enhance the lives of the people.

The Acting State Governor, Akech Tong Aleu, commended UNMISS for the initiative and pledged his government’s support to the project.

“Once rehabilitated, the road will (enhance provision of) health, security and social services to our people,” he said. “We as a Government will cooperate and collaborate with you. Our people and security forces will accord you whatever needed to ensure the successful rehabilitation of the road.”

Ajok Christine Deng, a trader, also welcomed the project.

“The road is important as goods will come to the state capital from the north and Aweil to Kuajok with ease thus reducing the price of basic commodities,” she said.