British Government Affirms Commitment To Support For South Sudan

The first British Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan, Dr. Alastair Mcphail who ended his tour in Eastern Equatoria State (EES) yesterday, confirmed Britain’s dedication to support the State on roads infrastructure development, Education, Health, Water and Sanitation improvement.

Speaking to the press yesterday at the Eastern Equatoria State secretariat offices in Torit after holding a closed door meeting with the State Governor together with the State Deputy Governor, the Cabinet and Parliament members led by the State Legislative Assembly Speaker, and the host County Commissioner, Ambassador Mcphail said that Britain was willing to first start a joint effort with the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to tackle significant challenges the new State is facing.

The Diplomat led his visiting team to Torit on Wednesday toured various institutions and a number of infrastructures including schools.

The ambassador said that the Department of International Development is one of their Ministries operating abroad through UKAID whose main objective is to build underdeveloped nations to become healthy and prosperous.

Dr. Mcphail told the press about his contribution to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) negotiation. “I personally took part in the CPA negotiation at Naivasha and Machakos in Kenya. I hope to continue building this new nation together with South Sudanese people. Rest assured that your nation will prosper to catch up with other most industrialized nations in the world,” he added.

He said that it was up to the people of South Sudan to see opportunities and build the future for their children as the International community was ready to support them grow economically, socially and politically.

The State Governor Hon. Lobong discussed various challenges facing EES with Dr. Mcphail while identifying security as a top priority. The ambassador unanimously agreed to fulfil these requests through his Embassy in Juba.

Hon. George Echom Ekeno, the State Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism in EES also revealed that he had requested the Ambassador to consider supporting capacity building of Game Rangers in the State.

Mcphail revealed that Britain considered opening various feeder roads to enable local farmers to access markets for their produces.

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