US Firm Wins $700mn Project in Sudan

By Eddyson Lugangwa Posted 18 October 2006 @ 10:00 am EET     Print     Reprint     E-Mail     Comments

Khartoum (IBTimes.com) - The US Agency for International Development (USAID) said it had awarded a $700mn contract to American firm, Louis Berger Group, to improve infrastructure, including roads, in semi-autonomous southern Sudan.

The agency said on Sunday that the five-year contract, part the US government's development aid to South Sudan, "will support the expansion of transportation, social, and economic infrastructure in Southern Sudan".

New Jersey-based Louis Berger, would focus on improving the region's transportation, urban development, water, sanitation, public buildings, energy, and natural resources," the agency said.

USAID official Katherine Almquist said the project would "lay the groundwork for real, long-lasting improvements in education, health, and economic growth in southern Sudan".

"We welcome the opportunity to continue working closely with the government of southern Sudan (GOSS) in making changes that improve the lives of Sudanese people and help secure the peace," she added.

The contract was in part fulfilment of the US government's promise to help South Sudan recover from a two-decade war with the Khartoum.
The region was trying to establish an effective state administration in preparation for a referendum for independence from Sudan within six years.

South Sudan is USAID's largest programme in Sub-Saharan Africa, totalling $855mn in fiscal year 2005. The American agency said it spent $84.2mn since fiscal year 2004 on improving infrastructure in South Sudan, including building roads, clearing landmines, and planning, mapping, and electrifying towns.