Discussions continue for a proposed new capital city for the soon to be independent south.
These artistic impressions from an official report bear a striking similarity to the US Capitol Hill.
Pipe dreams or reality?
The southern government (GoSS) seems pretty determined:
"Moving to a new location would allow for the creation of a modern City planned for 200 years with absolute flexibility to observe any population growth and technological advancements. Such a city would usher socio-economic and political revolution that would provide tangible benefits for the people of Southern Sudan.
"Furthermore, for the purpose of National Security, GOSS would need a secured area for its security installations and development. As such, a new location would serve a strategic purpose of promoting integrated business, industrial development and investment as well as increased security. Therefore, the development of a new city would attract significant investment into Southern Sudanese economy leading to increased economic growth and improvement of lives for the citizens of Southern Sudan."
"Government proposal for the development of the new capital city"
These artistic impressions from an official report bear a striking similarity to the US Capitol Hill.
Pipe dreams or reality?
The southern government (GoSS) seems pretty determined:
"Moving to a new location would allow for the creation of a modern City planned for 200 years with absolute flexibility to observe any population growth and technological advancements. Such a city would usher socio-economic and political revolution that would provide tangible benefits for the people of Southern Sudan.
"Furthermore, for the purpose of National Security, GOSS would need a secured area for its security installations and development. As such, a new location would serve a strategic purpose of promoting integrated business, industrial development and investment as well as increased security. Therefore, the development of a new city would attract significant investment into Southern Sudanese economy leading to increased economic growth and improvement of lives for the citizens of Southern Sudan."
"Government proposal for the development of the new capital city"
The first suggestion of the area of Rumsheil -- a proposal of the late first President John Garang, as it is sited in the geographic centre of the south-- doesn't look likely to be chosen: the land is not suitable for the site.
"Rumshiel was not suitable for a new capital due to many challenges associated with the area such as the swampy terrain, difficulties and high cost associated with building remote infrastructure, transport, supplying water and energy in and around the swampy areas."
"Government proposal for the development of the new capital city"
"Rumshiel was not suitable for a new capital due to many challenges associated with the area such as the swampy terrain, difficulties and high cost associated with building remote infrastructure, transport, supplying water and energy in and around the swampy areas."
"Government proposal for the development of the new capital city"
Now the east bank of the White Nile is being looked at for suitable sites, but with a total proposed area of 19,000 kilometres squared, a lot of land will have to be taken up.
Current suggestions are that it would spread across the edges of four states.
It would also likely land on top of Badinglo National Park.
As it is, dreams seems still far away.
Current building in Juba - and widespread forced demolition to clear homes built without permission to open up valuable land - continues apace.
With ongoing rebellions in the Greater Upper Nile region, as well as the still outstanding issues to settle ahead of the 9th July independence date such as oil, debt, citizenship issues, and the future of Abyei, there are also perhaps more pressing immediate issues to tackle.
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