By Louis Loku
A delegation from the World Bank Group has met with the Caretaker Governor of Central Equatoria State, Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani, to discuss potential support for urban development and improved public services in South Sudan.
The delegation, led by senior Urban and Disaster Risk Management Specialist Lukas Leschner, held discussions with the governor on addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with rapid urbanisation, particularly in Juba and surrounding areas.
The meeting focused on how the World Bank Group could support urban development initiatives by building on the achievements of the Enhancing Community Resilience and Local Governance Project, implemented by the Government of South Sudan with support from the World Bank.
According to the discussions, the World Bank is exploring the possibility of extending the project to selected urban areas, including Juba City Council and Juba County, to strengthen local governance and improve urban services.
Governor Jadalla welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with the World Bank Group to advance urban development.
He also reiterated his call for continued collaboration to modernise Juba as the capital city of South Sudan.
The proposed support aims to improve infrastructure and public services while strengthening local capacities in urban management and planning to respond to the growing demands of urbanisation.
The meeting was also attended by Juba City Council caretaker Mayor Christopher Sarafino Wani Swaka and Wol Mathok Diing, responsible for physical infrastructure.