President Salva kiir Mayardit on Thursday inaugurated the newly completed water supply system built with support from the Japanese government.
“We have gathered here today to celebrate the project that was initiated over 10 years ago by the ministry of water and irrigation with support from the Japanese government,” Kiir said during the inauguration ceremony attended by cabinet ministers and other officials in Juba.
He said the water facility built at a cost of 47.8 million U.S dollars and with capacity of 10,800 cubic meters (m3) will increase water supply capacity from the previous 7,200 m3 to 18,000 m3 to benefit about 350,000 residents in Juba.
“This is great development assistance with real impact on people’s lives and thus, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the government and the people of Japan again for another excellent gift to the people of South Sudan,” Kiir said.
Last year, the Japanese government handed over the completed Freedom Bridge to the government which has helped ease congestion along the Nile River.
Kiir directed the ministry of water resources and irrigation to effectively manage and maintain the water supply system for the benefit of the people.
“To ensure that this project serves our people for a long time, I am instructing all leaders, especially the ministry of water resources and irrigation to exert efforts to effectively manage, operate and maintain this water supply system for the benefit of our people,” he disclosed.
Kiir also called for inter-governmental cooperation to ensure sustainability the water supply system.
The Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Pal Mai Deng said the government is on it’s way to achieving sustainable development goals by providing clean water to the general population across the country.
Deng added that the water supply system will provide clean and safe drinking water, thus helping to prevent waterborne diseases.
Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan, Tsutsumi Naohiro said water is a source of life; adding that the population cannot survive without safe and clean water.
The water facility was constructed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with a grant from the government and the people of Japan.
The construction began in 2013, immediately after independence with high expectations from the citizens of Juba. However, the construction period lasted 10 years, due to two conflicts in the country and the spread of COVID-19.
The technical handover of the new Juba Water Treatment Plant to the South Sudan Urban Water Cooperation (SSUWC) was done on 27th January 2023.
The completion of new facilities is not only the symbol of the friendship between Japan and South Sudan but also the symbol of the peace and stability, bringing tangible benefits by development.
This project will also contribute to the improvement of the living environment and public health of the population in Juba city.
