Freedom Bridge opens for traffic
South Sudan’s long-awaited symbol of peace and freedom is now a reality: the construction of country’s first arched steel bridge over the Nile River in Juba, South Sudan, has opened for traffic. Until now, the old Juba Bridge was the only existing bridge over the Nile River and the only way to transport goods from Uganda and Kenya to Juba, via the international highway. With traffic congestion worsening, however, it became more and more important to build a new bridge.
Die new 560 m long bridge, funded by a Japanese grant, and supervised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), is associated with South Sudan’s hope to facilitate efficient international transportation. The name Freedom Bridge was coined to reflect the South Sudanese people’s wish for freedom and peace. (ben)