Vietnamese Engineering Team Completes 37-km Strategic Road in South Sudan in 85 Days

The Abyei-Agok road plays a vital role in connecting the center of Abyei with the Agok area, facilitating trade, travel, and local socio-economic development, while also effectively supporting the operations of the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

Previously, due to harsh natural conditions, particularly the region’s characteristic “black cotton soil” and prolonged heavy rains, the road had severely deteriorated, disrupting transportation and directly affecting patrols, security assurance, and the implementation of humanitarian missions.

Immediately after taking on the task at the request of local authorities, Vietnam’s Engineering Unit Rotation 4 swiftly developed a plan and mobilized maximum personnel and equipment to implement the project. The unit organized continuous construction, making use of holidays and overtime to accelerate progress. Specifically, it deployed approximately 70-80 personnel, nearly 30 dump trucks with capacities ranging from 10 to 20 cubic meters, 5 graders, 4 rollers, 5 bulldozers, 6 excavators, 3 water tankers, 2 cranes, and other equipment. Notably, construction was carried out for 10 hours per day, from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (with a one-hour lunch break), including on public holidays and weekends.

As a result, the unit completed a substantial volume of work, including the excavation and embankment of nearly 300,000 cubic meters of black soil and about 70,000 cubic meters of sand. The roadbed was widened from 10 meters to 14 meters (with some sections expanded to 20–25 meters), ensuring smooth passage for heavy-load vehicles. More than 31,700 cubic meters of murram were spread to enhance the road’s durability and stability. In addition, a comprehensive drainage system was installed, improving water runoff capacity and ensuring effective use of the road during the rainy season.

Despite harsh weather conditions and complex terrain, the project was completed in 85 days - 35 days ahead of schedule - demonstrating strong organizational capacity, a high sense of responsibility, and effective coordination between Vietnam’s Engineering Unit, the United Nations mission, and local authorities.

Vietnamese engineering forces work on the project. (Photo: Tuoi Tre Newspaper)

At the handover ceremony, Major General Ganesh Kumar Shrestha, Force Commander of the UNISFA mission, highly commended the efforts of the Vietnamese engineering forces, emphasizing that this is the largest and most significant project serving local people since the mission’s establishment. “The completion of this road is an unprecedented achievement, opening up opportunities for infrastructure connectivity and enhanced security in the region. The efforts of Engineering Unit Rotation 4 truly deserve recognition,” he said.

Uchenna Odenigbo, Chief of Mission Support (CMS) of UNISFA, also affirmed that every meter of the completed road stands as a testament to the responsibility and dedication of Vietnam’s engineering forces, delivering tangible benefits to the local community.

Arop Deng Kuol, Deputy Chief Administrator of the Abyei Administrative Area, expressed: “On behalf of the people of Abyei, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the significant contributions of Vietnam’s Engineering Unit Rotation 4. We have accompanied you and witnessed your efforts, hardships, and your spirit of dedication and discipline throughout the construction process. Thanks to these contributions, a once dilapidated road has now become one of the most modern roads in the region, helping to improve security, transportation, and the livelihoods of local residents.”

On this occasion, Engineering Unit Rotation 4 was honored to receive a letter of commendation from the Chief Administrator of the Abyei Administrative Area for its outstanding contributions to infrastructure projects in the region. The unit also carried out meaningful humanitarian support activities, including the provision of 10 hospital beds, essential supplies, and educational materials for local residents, contributing to improved living conditions and stronger ties with the local community.

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