World Bank Underscores Private Sector Development The Outgoing World Bank South Sudan Country Manager Mr. Laurence Clarke handed over office to the new Manager, Laura Kullenburg yesterday, as he affirmed that developing the private sector and infrastructure in SouthSudan still needs much attention. 01 April 2011 World Bank Underscores Private Sector Development L-R Laura Kullenberg and Laurence Clarke addressing the press in Juba [©Gurtong]
By Waakhe Simon Wudu JUBA, 31st March 2011 [Gurtong] - The Outgoing World Bank South Sudan Country Manager Mr. Laurence Clarke handed over office to the new Manager, Laura Kullenburg yesterday, as he affirmed that developing the private sector and infrastructure in SouthSudan still needs much attention. Clarke has served in South Sudan for the last three years as the Bank’s manager. While addressing the press in Juba, Clarke said that, developing the private sector and infrastructure in South Sudan still needs much attention. World Bank has been investing in strengthening the capacity of the private sector and infrastructure: agriculture, health, education, women’s activities, systems of the Government of Southern Sudan, GOSS, and many other development initiatives. He said that, until the end of the interim period of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, CPA, the Bank has disbursed close to 450 million US dollars to facilitate its various projects. The out going Manager said that, in his course of being in office, the Bank was able to diversify development through the initiations of various projects on infrastructure as mentioned above. He however, noted that, despite the mass investment, more funding from the bank is needed to diversify the projects. “Focusing on continued State building and delivery of infrastructural support especially roads, water and energy, demand much attention,” he said, adding that, “facilitating more private sector investment in South Sudan and continuing development of local private sector, needs much investment.” In his advice to the people of South Sudan and the government, he said that the two parties should develop a culture of accountability and transparency on the usage of resources to intensify development of the new to-be recognized nation. Laura, the ten years old former United Nations staff told the press, she is ready to face the challenges marring the work of the bank. She said that to work in a new nation to be, a region just five years relieved from war is never easy always. However, she also noted that she has served in different conflict zones with latest being in Kosovo, areas with similar challenges South Sudan faces. The US National pointed out that, she will be work on three priorities as the new country manager. Deepen and strengthen our communication and collaboration with authorities, citizens and development partners; work with the country team to prepare the Bank’s country strategy aimed at promoting economic diversification from the oil sector and supporting stronger social outcomes; lead and support the staff in implementing the strategic priorities of the new Africa Strategy while adjusting to corporate realities and opportunities. Posted in: Home -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "JFD info" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/jfdinfo?hl=en.
