Kenya-South Sudan pipeline priority over railway

[John Ashworth]

PIPELINE, PRIORITY IN LAMU PORT PROJECT

Friday, 24 May 2013 06:49 | Catholic Radio Network

The presidents of South Sudan and Kenya discussed the implementation of Lamu Port project and the pipeline is priority.

President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya made a short official visit to Juba on Thursday.

President Salva Kiir told the press that both countries are treating the three Lamu projects separately starting with the pipeline from South Sudan to Lamu port, in the Kenyan coast.

He said the railway line and tarmac road connecting South Sudan to Kenya would follow.

President Kenyatta confirmed that the construction of Lamu Port started and the projects would boost the economic viability both countries...

Sudan regrets Juba statements as Kiir reaffirms his top priority to Kenyan pipeline

May 23, 2013 (KHARTOUM/JUBA) - Sudan’s foreign ministry regretted statements issued by South Sudanese officials claiming that oil flow was deliberately blocked for political reasons, while in Juba president Salva Kiir reaffirmed that an alternative pipeline through Kenya remains his top priority...

JUBA MAKES KENYAN PIPELINE ITS TOP PRIORITY

President Salva Kiir Mayardit said Thursday that his government gives top priority to the construction of an alternative pipeline to neighbouring Kenya, apparently to avoid being dependent on the Sudanese pipeline.

"The construction of the pipeline is our top priority. We have agreed with President Uhuru Kenyatta to do one thing at a time", Kirr said in a joint press conference with the with the new Kenyan president who visited Juba on Thursday for the first time since his election.

He disclosed that his administration has taken advanced steps on Lamu port project.

"I know there is need to construct a road to link us with Kenya but we cannot do all these together at once. They are very expensive. So we have agreed to first of all put our joint efforts on the construction of the pipeline", Kiir further told reporters Thursday.

Meanwhile Kenyatta said he agreed with president Kiir to implement a memorandum of understanding signed last year to build an oil pipeline from South Sudan to Lamu port.

“We have agreed on an area where need to jointly fund and undertake the construction of the pipeline. We have agreed to work to jointly work together as South Sudan-Kenya project, president Kenyatta said without giving additional information.

(Sudan Tribune)