Clement Mboro Bridge Overview
In May 2024, the Clement Mboro Bridge opened across the Jur River in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal. Built by Chinese engineers, the steel span replaces an aging crossing, allowing 40-tonne trucks to roll safely between Juba, Lakes, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Unity and Western Equatoria.
The older Jur River Bridge now handles lighter vehicles, easing congestion and offering redundancy during floods. State Minister for Roads Julio Bensncio Mongo calls the new structure a landmark achievement and a visible outcome of China–South Sudan cooperation.
China–South Sudan Partnership Deepens
Officials highlight the project as the latest chapter in Beijing’s concessional financing drive, following the Freedom Bridge in Juba. Mongo confirms his ministry is still knocking on doors to secure further Chinese backing for the Wau–Raja road and other links.
At the hand-over ceremony, diplomats framed the bridge as infrastructure for peace, noting its capacity to connect distant communities, reduce transport costs and stimulate trade in agricultural staples, timber and humanitarian supplies.
Economic Ripples Along Regional Corridors
Truckers already report shorter turnaround times. Driver Bak Ayuel Bak says the sturdy deck is very good for us, yet he urges quicker highway upgrades to match the bridge’s efficiency.
Local traders anticipate cheaper fuel, cement and consumer goods once feeder roads improve. Village chief Orayo welcomes eased traffic but cautions that economic impact depends on parallel investment in farms, schools and markets.
Voices From the Road and Riversides
Weekend visitors turn the bridge into a viewing deck, snapping selfies against the Jur River’s green floodplain. Community leader Sultan Achor calls the site development in motion and thanks both governments while requesting additional clinics and medical supplies.
Juleta Nabaiba of the Alliance for Land Rights notes a newfound sense of safety. The old bridge swayed; this one feels reliable, she says, urging scholarships so South Sudanese youth can study engineering and ultimately maintain their own infrastructure.
Next Steps for Inclusive Growth
State planners now balance axle-load enforcement with calls for a roundabout at the bridge entry to curb accidents. Mongo says compliance with the 40-tonne limit will safeguard the asset for decades.
Residents argue that bridges are only the first plank of reconstruction. They hope the same partnership model can soon extend to irrigation schemes, vocational colleges and broadband, knitting remote provinces into South Sudan’s broader growth story.