The flow of humanitarian supplies and goods is being expedited by the roadwork conducted by the UNMISS Indian engineering company. Since the beginning of 2017, 270 kilometers of road have become operational in Unity State.
The Indian military engineering company maintained the only ground supply route stretching from Juba to Bentiu-Abeimnom-AjakKuac, covering a total of 151 kilometers said UNMISS Bentiu field administrative officer, Mr. Biju George.
Currently, 120 kilometers of road from Bentiu to Pariang are also operational enabling supplies to reach the northern part of the Unity area.
Mr. Biju noted that red marram soil is not easily accessible in the region, forcing engineers to use black cotton soil, a less than desirable alternative as a result. The troops were also required to stay for days without much support during the maintenance work.
The intensive rain that extends from June to October often damages roads maintained during the dry season.
“The few dry months are the window period for road transport,” said Mr. Biju. “The cost of airdropping of essential and other materials is very expensive and the humanitarian partners and others cannot afford to do that on a regular basis,” he added.
UNMISS is also supporting the maintenance of the Rubkona Airstrip in order to faciliate the landing of aircrafts bringing in commercial, humanitarian and mission supplies year-round.