US donates $30 million for emergency operation in South Sudan - Sudan Tribune

May 22, 2012 (JUBA) — The US government has announced $30m cash donation directed towards the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) emergency relief operation, specifically targeting conflict-affected and food-insecure people in South Sudan.

The donation, to be delivered through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is reportedly in response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the world’s newest nation, where an estimated one million people are severely food-insecure due to a cereal deficit, high food prices and inter-communal conflict.

“This generous contribution from the U.S. Government comes at a critical time when WFP is expanding its operation to respond to growing humanitarian needs,” Chris Nikoi, WFP’s country director for South Sudan said in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

“At the same time, we are preparing for the rapidly approaching rainy season, so we are extremely grateful to receive this crucial support,” he added.

With about 60 percent of the country said to be inaccessible during the rainy seasons due to South Sudan’s poor road network, it’s widely believed that this contribution will help WFP complete prepositioning of much-needed commodities across the country.

“This contribution from the American people is part of the U.S. Government’s continuing support for the most vulnerable people in South Sudan, who are some of the most in need of food assistance to sustain them as they work to rebuild their lives,” said Kevin Mullally, said USAID South Sudan mission director.

Last week, the UN launched an appeal for emergency operations funds in South Sudan as thousands of South Sudanese returnees started arriving into the country from neighboring Sudan.

In a related development, the World Bank has also donated $38m earmarked to enhance South Sudan’s rural roads as a way of improving service delivery.

Witnessing the agreement, Kosti Manibe, South Sudan’s finance and economic planning minister lauded the World Bank for its assistance, saying improving rural roads will boost trade, create more jobs and enhance effective service delivery to citizens.

The funds, according to a press statement from the ministry, will mainly be used to upgrade and rehabilitate rural roads linking productive agricultural areas to market centers, and to strengthen the ability of the ministry of roads and bridges to manage rural infrastructure.

Laura Kullenburg, the World Bank country manager for South Sudan said grant is part of the South Sudan Transition Trust Fund (SSTF), established by the financial institution to provide bridge financing to the new nation in period between its independence until such a time when it begins benefitting from services offered to member countries.

(ST)