The government of West Bahr El Ghazal State announced the immediate closure of the historic “Jur” Bridge which is on the verge of crumbling.
That follows technical reports warning about the risks of bridge collapsing due to structural deterioration.
The historic bridge, which has connected vital parts of Wau city for decades, had experienced significant infrastructure degradation due to climatic factors and heavy use, necessitating urgent intervention to prevent a potential disaster.
The bridge was therefore forced into permanent closure in order to avert looming accidents.
According to the West Bahr El Ghazal state governor, Emmanuel Primo Okello, the decision to seal off the bridge prioritizes citizens’ lives, because their safety was of paramount concern.
But to ease communication, the local authorities have immediately launched the new “Clement Mboro” Bridge, which according to experts was designed according to global engineering standards, therefore ensuring traffic continuity and enhancing safety.
Reports from South Sudan reveal that the new “Clement Mboro” Bridge represents a qualitative shift in the state’s infrastructure, constructed with high-quality specifications to serve as a safe and modern alternative, expected to improve mobility and reduce congestion.
As part of complementary measures, the traffic department implemented an emergency plan, including increased mounting regular patrols and opening up alternative routes, urging drivers to adhere to instructions and utilize electronic services for the latest traffic updates.
This step aligns with the state government’s efforts to develop infrastructure and ensure safety standards, receiving widespread approval from local residents.
The Western Bahr El Ghazal state is mapped within South Sudan’s Bahr el Ghazal region, bordering Northern Bahr El Ghazal and Warrap to the west and Western Equatoria to the south.