Authorities and residents of Western Bahr el Ghazal state have lauded the government of China for constructing the Clement Mboro Bridge in Wau, describing it as a vital piece of infrastructure that has eased transportation.
The bridge, handed over to the government in May 2024, was built to replace the aging and deteriorating Jur River Bridge, which had long struggled under the weight of increasing traffic and was on the verge of collapse.
The Clement Mboro Bridge connects several key areas, including the capital Juba, Lakes State, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Unity State, Abyei, Sudan to the north, and Western Equatoria to the south. It primarily accommodates heavy trucks, while the older Jur River Bridge continues to serve light vehicles.
Julio Bensncio Mongo, the Western Bahr el Ghazal State Minister for Roads and Bridges, described the bridge as a landmark achievement and a testament to China-South Sudan relations.
“This bridge is a great achievement for the national government, just like the Freedom Bridge in Juba. It is a symbol of the physical infrastructure that the government has secured through cooperation with China,” Mongo told Radio Tamazuj.
“We, as the state government, are happy. This is an opportunity to thank China and everyone who contributed to this effort, whether in building roads or bridges,” he added.
Mongo said the state continues to lobby for further Chinese support to develop additional infrastructure.
“We are still knocking on doors through the office of the President to engage with other development partners, particularly China, to continue assisting in constructing internal roads and bridges, such as along the Wau–Raja road,” he said.
The minister also noted that the bridge has become a popular gathering place on weekends for residents, who visit to take photos and enjoy the view.
The Clement Mboro Bridge is designed for trucks with a maximum weight of 40 tonnes. Mongo urged drivers to comply with the weight limit to preserve the structure’s longevity.
Several truck drivers who spoke to Radio Tamazuj expressed their happiness, while also calling for further road upgrades.
“This bridge is very good for us, but I appeal to our government to speed up highway construction,” said Bak Ayuel Bak, a local driver.
Chol Abraham, another driver, echoed the sentiment and urged the government to install a roundabout at the bridge entry to reduce frequent accidents.
Local residents also expressed their appreciation. A village chief living on the eastern bank of the river said the bridge has helped ease congestion.
Orayo, a resident, acknowledged the bridge’s positive impact but said more development is needed.
“The new bridge has had a good impact, but it’s not enough. It has reduced congestion, but it hasn’t yet had a major economic effect,” he said.
“Citizens need bridges, but they also need agricultural and educational development. My message to China is to focus on agriculture and education. Without education, we cannot protect our infrastructure,” he added.
Sultan Achor, another local chief, also praised the bridge but urged China to expand its support to the health sector.
“The public is very happy. In the past, there was congestion on the old bridge, but now, with two bridges, movement is much easier,” said Achor.
“This is development, and I thank both the governments of South Sudan and China. However, we need additional hospitals, schools, and medical supplies if China can help,” he added.
Juleta Nabaiba, a programme assistant at the Alliance for Land Rights in South Sudan, said the bridge has improved safety for travelers.
“The old Jur River Bridge used to terrify people as it swayed underweight. Now this Clement Mboro bridge provides a sense of safety and reliability,” she said.
Nabaiba called on China to consider investing in education and training for South Sudanese youth.
“Let China sponsor South Sudanese students who’ve completed secondary school to study engineering and medicine. That way, we can build our own capacity,” she said.
“It shouldn’t always be Chinese engineers building roads or bringing medical care—our students can gain those skills too,” she added.