21 May 2015 - A newly constructed security fence at Juba River Port will play a key role in facilitating humanitarian assistance, UNMISS Japanese Engineering contingent commander Col. Nishimur Osamu said in the national capital today.

Col. Nishimur, who was speaking at the hand-over ceremony of the fence constructed by his contingent to the South Sudanese government, said it will enhance the efficiency of UNMISS operations and humanitarian activities.

“The United Nation often uses this port for World Food Programme’s emergency aid transportation and UNMISS vehicles transport towards (the Upper Nile State capital) Malakal and (the Jonglei State capital) Bor,” he said. “Since vehicle movement is hindered especially in rainy season, the necessity of the river port will increase.”

Noting that the contingency had carried out the construction as part of the Mission’s role to facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance, Col. Nishimur said it would help prevent pillage of humanitarian aid items from the port.
Kiya Masahiko, the Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan, said his country had been working to help improve infrastructure in Juba and surrounding areas since 2006.

He revealed that the river port project had started in June 2012 with a projected cost of $27.7 million, but was suspended in December 2013 when the conflict broke out in Juba.

“Activities included construction of the pier and a cargo handling yard,” he said, adding that Japan would also fund construction of a warehouse and repair shop and an administration building.

The country has also provided equipment like a crawler crane, forklift, yard tractor, yard trailer, and oil pump, he said.

The South Sudanese Minister of Transport, Roads and Bridges, Kuong Danhier, said that in 2007, the port was in a state of chaos as it lacked security and people could enter without any checks.

“For some time, this new Juba River Port had no infrastructure and relied on natural river embankment,” he said. “With rapid increase for cargo handling right from the time for repatriation of internally displaced people from Port Kosti in Sudan in 2009, it was important that this port is improved.”

Mr. Danhier said development of the port is a strategic goal as it will promote the development of cities and investments.

Mitsuaki Furukawa, representative of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which worked on the project in partnership with the contingent, said his agency started the construction of the port to enhance trade between South Sudan and the outside world.

“For South Sudanese to fully participate in their economy the pier is extremely important as it is the gate way for community from northern side to come to Juba and from Juba to go to northern part of the country.”

Appealing to the South Sudanese government to create enabling environment such as entry control, maintenance and public awareness of the fence to enable them complete their work, he said he expected the port to be a symbol of peace and national unity.

“Lack of infrastructure keeps people isolated from each other,” said Mr. Mitsuaki. “Our dream is that this port will connect people with people and communities with communities. By promoting interactions among them, it will contribute to peace and stability in South Sudan.”