A high-level meeting in Juba on road sector development and financing has approved a budget of $1.8 billion for the next 10 years.

Participants agreed that the money would be used to improve the strategic road network based on appropriate standards.

They also endorsed the establishment of a Road Maintenance Fund, which will also be funded using charges from road users.

They argued that this would ensure that improved roads are properly maintained.

The value for the money in this sector will be accounted for through the oversight of the parliamentary committee for physical infrastructure.

The meeting in Juba on Monday was attended by the Minister of Roads and Bridges, Rebecca Joshua Okwaci, representatives from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.

It was organized by the ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Special Projects, UNOPS.

Participants said they would revisit the plan every year based on improved data collection.