28 January 2013 - Construction on a vital road linking residents of Turalei, Warrap State, with the only medical facility in Twic County was launched by UNMISS in the town today.

The road suffers seasonal flooding, making is virtually impassable during the rainy season.

The almost one-kilometer project, chosen by the community association and county authority, is being funded by an UNMISS Quick Impact Project (QIP).

County Executive Director Baptist Gum said constructing the road from Freedom Square to Mother Tereza hospital was prioritized to ensure year-round accessibility to the facility.

“UNMISS … this is yet another support of your organization to the people of Twic County and South Sudan,” Mr. Gum said.

Women’s representative Pantel Yor Malith said the road would significantly assist pregnant women and those delivering babies during the rainy season.

UNMISS State Coordinator Abraham Onifade noted that the project was small in terms of distance, but would have a significant and long-lasting impact on the entire Twic community.

“It opens up access to Mother Tereza health facility and it will serve the community beneficially in many respects for years to come,” Mr. Onifade said.

He also noted that UN humanitarian agencies were supporting more than 11,000 IDPs in Twic County.

Relief and Rehabilitation Commission County Secretary Abraham Yor said the launch signified positive cooperation between UNMISS and Twic County.

The mission has also assisted Twic with a community center and extension of the County Commissioner’s office as well as a QIP-funded water project awaiting commissioning.

Also attending the launch were members of the Turalei community, the county inspector of police, community leaders and representatives of the project contractor, LOU Group.