Defiant ARC laments US sanctions, vows to continue operations ‘normally’

JUBA – South Sudan’s Juba-based construction firm, ARC Resources Corporation LTD which was sanctioned yesterday by the United States over involvement in corruption has vowed to continue operations saying it doesn’t know why it was sanctioned by the US government.

In a statement yesterday, the United States Department of Treasury designated ARC and Winners Construction Company Limited for being owned or controlled by Benjamin Bol Mel – a sanctioned businessman by the U.S government.

But the ARC said in a statement this afternoon that the US decision is unfortunate and said it does not known why the US government took the decision to sanction it saying it will continue to operate normally.

“As stated in the media, ARC Resources Corporation Ltd has unfortunately been sanctioned by the United States Government for reasons still not clear to us,” the ARC said in the statement extended to Sudans Post.

“This communication is therefore to reassure you as a trusted partner in the ARC family, that we shall continue operating normally to give value to the people of South Sudan as we have been since we started,” it adds.

The statement stressed that “Infrastructure is a critical element in the development journey of this country and we shall not relent until we have completed our mandate as entrusted to us by the public and Government of South Sudan.”

“We urge you to continue with your valued work as we strive to get clarification on this unprecedented occurrence.

“Once again, thank you for your support and please do not hesitate to get in touch with us for any further clarification on the issue.”