Indian engineers have begun three major road renovation projects in the Unity region of South Sudan to improve the safety of travel for local motorists, traders and humanitarian agencies.

The Indian Horizontal Mobility Engineering Company (HMEC), serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, are undertaking repair work on roads linking Bentiu to Ajak Kuach which is a main supply route for logistics support and humanitarian aid to internally displaced people living at the UN protection site in Bentiu.

HMEC officer, Major Piyush Kher said the opening of the 151 kilometer route would make a huge difference to communities in the area who are suffering because of ongoing violence and economic deprivation.

The engineers will also tackle repairs to the road from Bentiu to  Pariang and Leer roads in the southern part of the Unity region.

“It will take approximately 45 days minimum to complete this work, depending on the conditions,” he said.

UNMISS acting Head of Field Office in Bentiu, Norbert Niyodusenga, said the repairs to the road would help the Mission to achieve its mandate of protecting civilians and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian relief.

The Indian engineers will be provided with security and protection by Mongolian peacekeepers while they work on the roads which are in an insecure part of the country.