"A Letter from the Ambassador of Japan to South Sudan"
2015/6/29
“JICA's Assistance Warmly Received by the Government and the People of South Sudan”
Two months have already passed since my arrival in South Sudan. Ever since the credentials presentation ceremony in late May, I have been making courtesy calls on Cabinet Ministers and political appointees to solicit South Sudanese leaders’ visions for of peace and development of this young nation for the future. A large number of the Ministers and others in senior executive positions that I met had experiences of cooperation with JICA in various capacities, and there were even those who went to Japan on training programs. They expressed their great appreciation toward JICA’s assistance as well as expectations for further cooperation in the future.
The greatest number of those I have met expressed their gratitude for the Freedom Bridge construction project. This March witnessed a big ground-breaking ceremony with the honor of the presence of H.E. President Salva Kiir himself, accompanied by cultural performance by UNMISS Japanese Engineering Contingent. A bridge that connects Juba with the eastern bank of the river is a linchpin of people's life; the one currently in use, which is the only bridge over the Nile here, was built in 1974 and has a small loading capacity, thereby stunting South Sudan's development potential. Residents long for the day when the Freedom Bridge will be completed in June 2018.
The Water Supply project in Juba, while it was suspended during the recent political crisis in South Sudan, resumed its work this February. This project enables water supply throughout the city by processing the water from the Nile at a treatment plant, storing it at a water tower, and distributing it via public taps and with tanker lorries. This project aspires to conclude in the summer of 2017. The project for the Juba River Port, a national hub for inland riverine freight transportation, is also underway; we received a surveyor team this month to resume preparing for the tender, aiming at completion of the construction in the summer of 2017.
Infrastructure does not only serve as a basis for economic activities and daily life but also train the personnel involved in the process of its building. As the saying goes, "Humans build bridges, and bridges build humans in return." At the Freedom Bridge project, 100 South Sudanese workers participate in its construction and acquire technical expertise daily. With such long-term commitment in developing human resources, Japan will continue to invest in South Sudan's infrastructure development.
I also receive compliments from many people for Japan's assistance in the field of agriculture. While, currently, 98% of South Sudan's annual revenues rely on petroleum, the country boasts fertile land and abundant water resources. JICA has spotted such potential in agriculture as a major alternative industry in the overall nation-building plan, and has assisted the formulation of the agriculture and irrigation development master plans, called CAMP and IDMP respectively, by the Government of South Sudan. Both plans are eyeing finalization toward this summer, and they will transition to nationwide implementation. Collaborations with international organizations and other aid agencies are also expected. We believe that agricultural development, which ensures food supply and income generation, will also contribute to communities' self-sustenance and thus consolidation of peace.
Another important pillar of JICA's assistance programs lies in basic livelihood improvement by providing healthcare, education, and vocational training. South Sudan records one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. JICA consulted closely with the Ministry of Health to help develop a database that facilitates the mobilization of medical and public health personnel with various sets of experience and expertise, as well as the establishment of Juba Teaching Hospital's College of Nursing and Midwifery. Hon. Health Minister, upon my courtesy call with JICA's Representative, expressed appreciation for Japan's support for these projects.
JICA's assistance has also extended to teachers' training at state level with a view to improving the quality of education in science and mathematics. Hon. Education Minister struck me as a fervent supporter of this project, as he took JICA’s Representative and myself right after our courtesy call out to the project office and facilitated the joint visit to Rombur Teacher Training Institute, constructed with Japan's donation, barely one week later.
Vocational training is no less important. As the internal conflict halted human capacity development, not many South Sudanese people are fortunate enough to obtain employment opportunities, whereas a large number of migrant laborers from neighboring countries fill the job markets. In addition, rehabilitation of delisted soldiers and former child soldiers presents a challenge as well. Against this backdrop, Japan has assisted in various ways the Government's policy planning and implementation in vocational training, as the Multi-Purpose Training Centre (MTC) in Juba serves as the project's core. Japan’s SDF Engineers of UNMISS, too, extended workshops for auto-mechanics, as I explained in Vol. 1.
You might be surprised to learn that Japan also assists South Sudan’ efforts toward national unity and democracy through the development of mass media. With JICA's assistance, South Sudan TV (SSTV), a state-owned media organization, is receiving training to fortify their capabilities in broadcasting and programming as well as transitioning from a state-owned broadcaster to a public broadcasting corporation. The other day I had a chance to speak with a team of 6 JICA project experts, each with expertise as former foreign bureau chief, director, correspondent covering social affairs, reporter, and technician at NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation). I was very encouraged to hear how they plan to raise the quality of TV programs by providing not only equipment but also seasoned know-how in their respective areas of specialization.
Currently, JICA’s project sites are confined to the city of Juba due to the political crisis that erupted in December 2013. When peace and safety are restored across the nation in the future, JICA can again expand its operations to all parts of South Sudan. Anxious to witness development initiatives spurred rigorously, I wish from the bottom of my heart that peace is restored in this country as soon as possible as a result of tireless efforts made by all parties concerned, including the Government and people of South Sudan.
The greatest number of those I have met expressed their gratitude for the Freedom Bridge construction project. This March witnessed a big ground-breaking ceremony with the honor of the presence of H.E. President Salva Kiir himself, accompanied by cultural performance by UNMISS Japanese Engineering Contingent. A bridge that connects Juba with the eastern bank of the river is a linchpin of people's life; the one currently in use, which is the only bridge over the Nile here, was built in 1974 and has a small loading capacity, thereby stunting South Sudan's development potential. Residents long for the day when the Freedom Bridge will be completed in June 2018.
The Water Supply project in Juba, while it was suspended during the recent political crisis in South Sudan, resumed its work this February. This project enables water supply throughout the city by processing the water from the Nile at a treatment plant, storing it at a water tower, and distributing it via public taps and with tanker lorries. This project aspires to conclude in the summer of 2017. The project for the Juba River Port, a national hub for inland riverine freight transportation, is also underway; we received a surveyor team this month to resume preparing for the tender, aiming at completion of the construction in the summer of 2017.
Infrastructure does not only serve as a basis for economic activities and daily life but also train the personnel involved in the process of its building. As the saying goes, "Humans build bridges, and bridges build humans in return." At the Freedom Bridge project, 100 South Sudanese workers participate in its construction and acquire technical expertise daily. With such long-term commitment in developing human resources, Japan will continue to invest in South Sudan's infrastructure development.
 |
 |
| Ground-breaking ceremony at Freedom Bridge | TV interview upon a courtesy call on Hon. Water Resources Minister |
I also receive compliments from many people for Japan's assistance in the field of agriculture. While, currently, 98% of South Sudan's annual revenues rely on petroleum, the country boasts fertile land and abundant water resources. JICA has spotted such potential in agriculture as a major alternative industry in the overall nation-building plan, and has assisted the formulation of the agriculture and irrigation development master plans, called CAMP and IDMP respectively, by the Government of South Sudan. Both plans are eyeing finalization toward this summer, and they will transition to nationwide implementation. Collaborations with international organizations and other aid agencies are also expected. We believe that agricultural development, which ensures food supply and income generation, will also contribute to communities' self-sustenance and thus consolidation of peace.
 |
 |
| Meeting among Ministers relevant to the Comprehensive Agricultural Master Plan (CAMP) | CAMP formulation at discussions |
Another important pillar of JICA's assistance programs lies in basic livelihood improvement by providing healthcare, education, and vocational training. South Sudan records one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. JICA consulted closely with the Ministry of Health to help develop a database that facilitates the mobilization of medical and public health personnel with various sets of experience and expertise, as well as the establishment of Juba Teaching Hospital's College of Nursing and Midwifery. Hon. Health Minister, upon my courtesy call with JICA's Representative, expressed appreciation for Japan's support for these projects.
JICA's assistance has also extended to teachers' training at state level with a view to improving the quality of education in science and mathematics. Hon. Education Minister struck me as a fervent supporter of this project, as he took JICA’s Representative and myself right after our courtesy call out to the project office and facilitated the joint visit to Rombur Teacher Training Institute, constructed with Japan's donation, barely one week later.
Vocational training is no less important. As the internal conflict halted human capacity development, not many South Sudanese people are fortunate enough to obtain employment opportunities, whereas a large number of migrant laborers from neighboring countries fill the job markets. In addition, rehabilitation of delisted soldiers and former child soldiers presents a challenge as well. Against this backdrop, Japan has assisted in various ways the Government's policy planning and implementation in vocational training, as the Multi-Purpose Training Centre (MTC) in Juba serves as the project's core. Japan’s SDF Engineers of UNMISS, too, extended workshops for auto-mechanics, as I explained in Vol. 1.
 |
 |
| Upon a courtesy call on Health Minister | Visit to Rombur Teacher Training Institute |
You might be surprised to learn that Japan also assists South Sudan’ efforts toward national unity and democracy through the development of mass media. With JICA's assistance, South Sudan TV (SSTV), a state-owned media organization, is receiving training to fortify their capabilities in broadcasting and programming as well as transitioning from a state-owned broadcaster to a public broadcasting corporation. The other day I had a chance to speak with a team of 6 JICA project experts, each with expertise as former foreign bureau chief, director, correspondent covering social affairs, reporter, and technician at NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation). I was very encouraged to hear how they plan to raise the quality of TV programs by providing not only equipment but also seasoned know-how in their respective areas of specialization.
 |
 |
| Technical training for SSTV crews by JICA project experts | SSTV crew visiting a studio at NHK |
Currently, JICA’s project sites are confined to the city of Juba due to the political crisis that erupted in December 2013. When peace and safety are restored across the nation in the future, JICA can again expand its operations to all parts of South Sudan. Anxious to witness development initiatives spurred rigorously, I wish from the bottom of my heart that peace is restored in this country as soon as possible as a result of tireless efforts made by all parties concerned, including the Government and people of South Sudan.