Authorities in Budi County of Eastern Equatoria State said gold mining companies have begun construction work on the road linking Kapoeta and Ngauro, which started on Monday.
Commissioner Julis Amin Ben told Singaita 88.3 FM that the
construction is being carried out by Dr. Wang in collaboration with Prudential
through Eastern Equatoria Mining Corporation.
“The importance of this road is that it will ease movement
and communication. When you want to do business, the road will help. It will
also support hospitals, transport of goods and movement of the community, and
it will create peace. It will be a Maram Road,” Ben said.
He added that after completion, the companies will also be
expected to support services such as water provision in towns and schools.
In a related development, the commissioner also announced a
new memorandum of understanding with Zerani Mining Company, which has recently
been granted ten years by the national government and five years by the
community to operate and contribute to local development alongside mining
activities.
“The community met these people. The MOU for gold mining is
signed and now they’re going to bring their machines to start operation,” Ben stated.
Last month, State Trade Minister Ruth Marious Buga said the
government had only licensed Prudential Holding Company, a small-scale miner;
Eastern Equatoria Mining Corporation in Nakeke, Kapoeta South County; and Aswa
Mining Limited, which is still in the exploration phase.