South Sudanese officials have unveiled a plan to construct 400 kilometers of tarred road connecting the capital Juba with Lakes state at a cost of 700 million dollars.

President Salva Kiir who leads the ruling faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) on Saturday inaugurated a ground breaking stone.

The project would be funded by a loan from the Chinese government whose terms of agreement remain undisclosed to the public, including the timeframe for implementation.

The contractor is a Chinese company named Shandong Hi Speed Construction Group.

Concerns have been raised on how much of the $700 million will be spent on the Ramciel part, which is also included in the project without clarity on whether the contract is limited to roads or it includes buildings since the SPLM-Juba faction has a plan of moving the national capital to Ramciel.   

South Sudanese Minister of Roads and Transport, Kuong Danhier Gatluak said the inauguration of the construction project was a step in the direction towards achieving the vision to develop, a safe, secured and efficient transportation system for a prosperous nation.  

Minister Gatluak further explained that the mission of the ministry of roads and transport is to serve the people of the country by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, convenient and affordable intermodal transportation system that meets the vital national interest and enhances the quality of life of people today and in the future.