(JUBA, CENTRAL EQUATORIA STATE) – Work on the Juba-Terekeka-Rumbek Highway is to move forward under new measures agreed at an emergency meeting called after a site inspection found problems with communication between the parties involved.
The meeting was convened on 12th October by the Undersecretary of the National Ministry of Roads and Bridges, 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 of Roads and Bridges, NELSCO Consulting Company and Shandong Hi-Speed Construction Company to assess progress on the ground.
The inspection looked at work progress, quality and adherence to project timelines.
The meeting identified key challenges derailing the project, notably a lack of proper communication between the consultant, the contractor and the Ministry.
As a way forward, it was resolved that a joint team of consultants and engineers from the Ministry will conduct a joint site investigation with the team on the ground for the trial section of the road from KM 117+000 to KM 122+000.
The team will 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.
The contractor was advised to maintain and use the 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.
He called for proper communication through regular follow ups, regular meetings, frequent site inspections and submission of monthly progress reports.
