Poor road network impact flow of goods to Bahr el Ghazal states
5 min readBy Morris Mabior Awikjokdit
The current status of poor road infrastructure in the country has affected the smooth flows of goods in Bahr el Ghazal states of Lakes, Warrap, Aweil and Northern Bahr el Ghazal respectively. Community communal conflict has contributed to the progress of the region. After signing of the post CPA our government started to give road construction contracts with kick back policy to Civicon and Ayat companies without proper terms and conditions laid down to them that has resulted into pathetic and sorry state of economical roads to Bahr el Ghazal states.
Decade of civil of civil war basically inhibited the provision of basic infrastructure and this undermined much of its production capacity. As a result, most goods such foodstuff, construction materials, and basic inputs are imported without serious road complications. And exports other than oil revenue are minimal. Given that about 55% of the population lives in rural areas, the lack of basic infrastructure for many years now has been a serious impediment to the development of the large Agriculture potential of the country.
At this juncture a key issue for policy makers is compilation of s systematic assessment of the magnitude of the current poor infrastructure deficit and the extent to which it is an obstacle to acceleration of economic growth, job creation, increased incomes and reduced poverty. There has only minimal investment in basic infrastructure over the past quarter century in the history of out liberation struggle. Large facilities that were put in place by colonial administration several decades ago were damaged by post civil war and senseless rebellion of Riek Machar and there have been neglible amount of routine maintenance.
As the result, most existing infrastructure to Bahr el Ghazal states is in need of rehabilitation during the end of this season so that Bahr el Ghazal should join up the rest of her entire sisterly states of South Sudan. Moreover, relative to the population of the country and its GDP, there is not sufficient infrastructure to meet the needs of an economy that has the prospect of sustained strong economic growth in the decade ahead. As noted earlier the government should attach considerable importance to the provision of new and rehabilitation of the existing infrastructure of the country and its expansion in support of sustained strong economic growth in South Sudan.
As strong rebound during the first half of fiscal year 2014 seemed possible but recent unrest has casts a shadow over the prospects from economic recovery and development. Based on the existing oil production profile and expected growth in non- oil sectors such as Agriculture, construction and services, GDP percentage change was expected to pick up to 40% by the end of fiscal year 2014/2015, following three years of strong economic constrictions.
However, the recent political turmoil and civil strife in the country casts a shadow over the prospects for economic recovery and development. Oil production and associated investments remain the key drivers of growth but civil strife and political turmoil have seen the production of oil cut in half.
In fiscal year 2014/2015, about 70% of government revenues are derived from oil and the sector contributes over 60% of GDP in terms of direct exports, as well as associated investment. Given the current political situation, the anticipated increases in government expenditure starting from January 2014 will not be possible. I am projecting that about 13% jump in inflation in the second half of 2014/15 will be mainly due to the depreciation of the South Sudanese pounds (SSP) and volatility in supply of basic goods due to the deteriorating insecurity in Lakes state and Greater Tonj of Warrap state.
Health
The Republic of South Sudan is in desperate need of a sustainable healthcare system, an institution sorely lacking in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. May almighty God give more wisdom to Hon. Dr. Riak Gai Kok who is always working day and night to improve healthcare system across the country? There is no doubt if PHDs holders were like him, South Sudan would have caught up with the rest of the world.
I proved Dr. Riak Gai Kok as the peace loving man after he has inserted more efforts in opening up development in providing health facilities in Wau, Aweil, Western Equatoria and Central Equatoria states. Before his appointment, South Sudan’s health indicators are dismal: there is one doctor for every 350,000 patients and the country suffers from one of the worst maternal mortality rates in the country.
This shows that, the government is therefore searching for investment in its healthcare system, but so far with much less enthusiasm than projects related to natural resources. The past and present prioritization of oil production over healthcare, if understandable, is now improving costly, and the embattled new Republic may have generated a vicious circle of funds allocation via funds origination.
Gaining the decade long independence was a triumph in itself for us South Sudanese, but now the freedom induced euphoria has dimmed and the reality of the challenges facing the new state is evident. South Sudan though facing challenge of senseless war must overcome integration issues and solidify its new national identity if is to avoid fitting the profile of yet another at “risk state”.
The author is a freelance opinion writer and a professional experience teacher based in Warrap state- Kuajok currently in Juba- South Sudan for an official visit. He can be reached by email: morrisawikjok@yahoo.com or contact, 0954243501
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