The Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan says pedestrians will next month start using the new bridge being constructed along the Nile River in Juba.

They will be walking between Gumbo on the eastern bank of the Nile and Lologo on the opposite side.

Ambassador Kiya Masahiko says the construction of the bridge will be completed as scheduled in 2018.

“So, in one month time the temporary bridge will be completed,” Amb Masahiko said.

“You can go from one side to the other side then after that we move on to the construction of the three pillars which will take about year and half.”

The Minister of Road and Bridges, Kwong Dandier Gadluak, says several South Sudanese have been employed in the construction of the bridge.

He says they will gain skills and experience from the job.

“Most important massage we want to send is to the engineering students in the University of Juba and to the students at MTC is that they should take advantage of this very important work by coming here to do internship,” Mr Gatluak said.

The bridge is being constructed at a cost of more than $110 million.