M a r k e t N e w s
WORLD BANK GRANTS SH 54 BILLION FOR KENYA-S.SUDAN FIBRE OPTIC AND SUPERHIGHWAY PROJECT
Posted on : Friday, 11th September 2015
The World Bank has released over Sh54 billion to fund the laying of fibre optic cable and construction of a superhighway connecting Kenya and South Sudan.
The project, which runs concurrently in the two countries, was commissioned Wednesday following the release of the funds.
The fibre optic cable will be placed along the Lokichar – Nedapal road as the road is constructed.
South Sudan’s ICT minister Rebecca Joshua Okwaci and her Kenyan counterpart Fred Matiang’i signed a memorandum of understanding in January, making way for commissioning of the project.
“The entire project is set to be complete in two years’ time, today we are implementing the road and information superhighway that form the most effective way of accelerating development,” said Robert Mugo, Director, Shared Services at the ICT Authority.
Mr Mugo was speaking at the project commissioning event organised by the Ministry of Roads and infrastructure in Lodwar town.
The ICT Authority is implementing the Kenyan-side of the fibre optic project through a World Bank fund estimated at Sh2.6 billion.
The South Sudan section will cost Sh1.5 billion.
Kenya and South Sudan are working on the project as part of the Eastern Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project.
The fibre and road project is critical to enhance trade between the country and her landlocked northern neighbour.
Kenya’s exports to South Sudan make 25 per cent of South Sudan’s total imports. The volume of Kenyan goods exported to South Sudan has been on the rise.
In 2013 for instance, Kenya’s exports to the country totalled Sh24.6 billion compared to Sh22.2 billion the previous year.
The current road and fibre project will create ease for communication and transportation of Kenya’s products commonly traded with South Sudan.
Some of the products include; pharmaceutical products, food, edible oils and other manufactured products.
Source : trademarkea.com
