![South Sudan's Juba Rumbek Highway being constructed based on President Salva Kiir Mayardit contract with Chinese firm [Photo by Sudans Post]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Juba-roads-construction-1.jpg?resize=1019%2C414&ssl=1)
Speaking to Sudans Post on Friday, Manong Zechariah, Project Manager at ARC, said the project has encountered setbacks due to the Red Sea attacks hindering the arrival of necessary materials.
“Our asphalt plant is operating at maximum capacity, but the issue lies with the Red Sea situation,” explained Zechariah. “It’s not a problem on ARC’s end, the South Sudanese government’s end, or any other party involved.”
Zechariah elaborated that shipments are moving significantly slower compared to last year.
“The problem stems from the Red Sea, where ships and shipments are not moving as freely or quickly as they did in 2022. That’s the only obstacle we’re facing,” he said.
The project relies on imported fuel, bitumen, and other materials from overseas, and the Red Sea disruptions are causing significant delays.
“One of the key factors is fuel supply. We don’t have sufficient fuel reserves within the country, and we rely on imports. As you know, Juba has been experiencing fuel shortages lately, and the supply chain isn’t functioning as smoothly as it did last year,” he added.
The supply of bitumen, a crucial asphalt component, is also facing challenges.
“Bitumen is imported from the Middle East or Asia, and there have been ongoing conflicts in those regions,” Zechariah explained. “These conflicts are further hindering the movement of these shipments.”
The report highlights that Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have been targeting ships traversing the Red Sea near the Suez Canal since late December, likely in connection with the Israel-Hamas conflict.
While these attacks primarily target Israeli-bound vessels, they pose a significant threat to all ships using the crucial waterway.
