Repair of key Northern Bhar El Ghazal bridge nears completion
By Hou Akot Hou
the Renovation of Nyamlel Bridge which connects to Aweil town and other parts of Northern Bhar El Ghazla State is nearing completion.
Keer Aleu Deng, the Director for Roads and Bridges in Northern Bhar El Ghazal State, said the work that started in January is now in it’s final phase, adding that the bridge when complete will relieve residents who have had to endure torturous and lengthy journeys to Aweil town in the past years.
“The bridge is about to be opened, we are putting the last touches so that the connectivity is complete,” Aleu told Juba Echo in Aweil town on Friday.
The contractors Rhino Construction Company and Africa Resource Coporation (ARC), took over from Sudanese company Eyat Company which failed to complete work on the bridge after being granted contract in 2010.
Aleu said that the bridge connects Aweil town to Aweil West and Aweil North counties respectively.
“Many people lost lives here while attempting to cross the bridge; they fell into the river. More than ten lives have been claimed due to cracks along the bridge,” he disclosed.
Deng Dut Liai, a resident of Aweil town said that people from Aweil West and Aweil North Counties have been finding it difficult to come to town during rainy season.
“Now people will be going to Aweil town in less than an hour, before people used to go to Gok-machar then find a way of crossing to Aweil town but now people will have to go straight to Aweil town,” Dut said.
