By Zhang Xiaokun and Chen Longge
The Chinese peacekeeping engineers set out. (Photo by Zhang Xiaokun)
WAU, South Sudan, May 20 -- On May 17, local time, the 15th Chinese Peacekeeping Horizontal Engineering Company to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) launched the rehabilitation of a main supply route from Tonj to Romich.
The route to be repaired covers a total length of about 112 kilometers, which is a vital part of the supply line for the UN to carry out humanitarian relief in South Sudan. Due to long-term conflicts and natural erosion, the original road has been severely damaged, seriously inhibiting the transportation of humanitarian supplies and the travel of local residents.
Upon receiving the task, the Chinese peacekeeping engineering contingent immediately organized surveys and worked out a construction plan, aiming to complete the rehabilitation process including road flattening, drainage system construction, and subgrade strengthening in 50 working days. According to the plan, the rehabilitation work will involve 43 troops and 23 engineering machines. These troops will camp outdoors throughout the whole process.
It is learned that since its deployment to the mission area in December last year, the Chinese peacekeeping engineering contingent has completed underground bunker construction, internally displaced persons (IDP) camp resettlement, infrastructure upgrading and reconstruction for the Super Camp, and other tasks, winning high praise from the UNMISS.