CES to launch reconstruction of century-old Juba hotel
The Central Equatoria State government has said the reconstruction of the century-old Juba Hotel will be launched this week.
The agreement and the plan for the construction of Dream Hotel with 325 rooms had been finalized in Egypt between the State government and the Egyptian government. This was revealed by the head of State government Committee of the Hotel deal, Wani Tom Sebit, who doubles as State Minister of Finance Planning and Investment.
Tom said the construction by Bahagat construction company was expected to start late this month but it has been delayed.
The investment plan started in 2011 through the state government of Central Equatoria State.
Tom said in all these years they were unable to finalize the deal due to the recent conflict in the country, adding the construction is due to begin next month.
“The Egyptian government is committed and that is why the ambassador met the governor last week on the matter. We are contributing in terms of giving land so that there is development in the country,” he added.
State Minister of Information and Communication, Dr. Andruga Mabe Saverio, said the project was launched under the leadership of the former governor Clement Wani.
“The Ambassador of Egypt knew about the plan and the government is committed because the current government does not want to abandon it,” he said.
However, the state authorities did not disclose the amount of money required for the construction of the hotel but said it will cost “millions of dollars”.
Last week on Wednesday, Egyptian Counsellor to South Sudan, Ahmed Elbakry met with Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony, and the duo discussed the investment that includes the launching of the Dream Hotel Project this week.
Before the Second World War, the Egyptian government built its hotel in Juba, located at the Eastern part of the State Ministry of General Education and Instruction where the Dream Hotel will be constructed into a modern hotel in South Sudan.
1940 Queen Elizabeth of England has visited the hotel and it has been respected as the historical hotel in Juba.
Accelerating devolution
Meanwhile, the Central Equatoria State (CES) government has launched development plans in a bid to accelerate the devolution exercise.
The development plan is expected to run from 2021-2024 and is aimed at articulating the State Strategic planning.
Last week the national Minister of Finance and planning Athian Ding Athian said the plan aims at providing a strong development framework that would operationalize the implementation of the National Development Strategy (NDS).
The plans will provide a strong development framework that will operationalize the implementation of the (NDS) as well as enhancing and accelerating the devolution of development to the South Sudanese.
