[PHOTOS] Raila arrives in Juba ahead bridge commissioning - The Star

• In 2019, the Japanese Government pledged an additional $28 million to the  initial estimated cost of $91 million for the bridge's completion.

Kenyan Ambassador to South Sudan welcoming Azimio flagbearer Raila Odinga to Juba on Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Image: RAILA ODINGA

Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga on Wednesday evening landed in Juba, South Sudan ahead of the Commissioning of a 3.6 km Bridge that will connect Juba to the rest of East Africa.

On Friday, the young nation's Information Minister Michael Makuei announced President Salva Kiir will be commissioning the bridge on Thursday, May 19.

ODM leader Raila Odinga arriving to Juba, South Sudan on Wednesday May 18, 2022. On Thursday, he will attend the commissioning of the 3.6km bridge connecting East Africa to Juba.
Image: RAILA ODINGA

The Bridge connects Gumbo to Lologo and is expected to ease traffic on the Gumbo Bridge that has gone several repairs and limited passage of heavy trucks importing goods from East Africa.

Raila was received by Kenya Ambassador to South Sudan Major General Samuel Nandwa and Roads Minister Simon Mijak Mijok.

The Freedom Bridge's construction was halted twice.

ODM leader Raila Odinga welcomed by the South Sudan Roads Minister Simon Mijak Mijok on Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Image: RAILA ODINGA

ODM leader Raila Odinga with the South Sudan Roads Minister Simon Mijak Mijok at Juba on Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Image: RAILA ODINGA

In 2016, a conflict between South Sudan and the Japanese constructors led to the workers evacuation.

The construction was continued in 2019 but shortly after, Covid 19 hit, forcing another evacuation.

In 2019, Japanese Government pledged an additional $28 million to the  initial estimated cost of $91 million for the bridge's completion.

ODM leader Raila Odinga with the South Sudan Roads Minister Simon Mijak Mijok at Juba ahead of Thursday's commissioning of a 3.6 km Bridge that will connect Juba to the rest of East Africa.
Image: RAILA ODINGA