(JUBA, CENTRAL EQUATORIA STATE) – The National Ministry of Roads and Bridges has ordered a fresh design for the Juba-Terekeka-Rumbek Highway after an emergency meeting found communication gaps between the parties involved.
The meeting was convened on 12th October by Undersecretary Hon. Eng. James Alam Ohurey with NELSCO Consulting Company and Shandong Hi-Speed Construction Company.
It followed a recent site inspection by engineers from the Ministry, NELSCO and Shandong Hi-Speed to assess work progress, quality and adherence to project timelines.
The inspection found a lack of proper communication between the consultant, the contractor and the Ministry.
For the trial section from KM 117+000 to KM 122+000, a joint team of consultants and Ministry engineers will conduct a site investigation with the team on the ground to develop a design and specifications for works to begin immediately.
The Ministry and consultants are awaiting the results of this trial section to kick off the entire project.
The contractor was directed to develop its own design and specifications and not to rely on the former contractor’s design.
Shandong Hi-Speed Construction Company is part of Shandong Hi-Speed Group (SDHS), a Chinese state-owned enterprise and one of the world’s largest contractors.
SDHS has worked in South Sudan for over a decade, completing the DPOC office building and the Bank of South Sudan headquarters.
The 12-storey central bank building was inaugurated by President Salva Kiir in July 2024.
The Juba-Terekeka-Rumbek Highway spans 392.7 kilometres and is designed for a speed of 100 kilometres per hour, with a two-lane asphalt-concrete surface and a 12 metre wide roadbed.
The first section, a 63 kilometre stretch between Juba and Terekeka, was completed and opened to traffic in June 2022.
Construction resumed in January 2026 after a pause, with SDHS continuing as contractor.
NELSCO Consulting Company is a South Sudan-based firm providing machinery, tools and technical equipment for the construction and industrial sectors.
The contractor was advised to maintain and use materials already available on site to begin work immediately, rather than sourcing new materials such as murram.
Progress on the four bridges under construction is satisfactory, according to the Ministry.
The challenges remain mainly on the road construction section, where the Ministry advised the company to build roads that ensure easy movement based on the terrain.
The Undersecretary stressed that teamwork is essential for success and called for regular follow ups, meetings, site inspections and monthly progress reports.
Discover more from Access Radio®
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
