August 6, 2024 – The Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare today received two four-wheel-drive Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles procured by the Project Management Unit (PMU) to support the South Sudan Women’s Social and Economic Project (SSWSEEP). The mini-handover ceremony, held at the ministry, marked a significant step forward in the ministry’s capacity to improve service delivery, expand outreach, or enhance operational efficiency to support women and girls.
The Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare has received a much-needed boost in its ability to serve the South Sudan Women’s Social and Economic Empowerment Project (SSWSEEP).
Timothy Yobuta, SSWSEEP’s project manager, handed the keys to the vehicles to the minister of gender, child, and social welfare, Hon. Aya Warrile Benjamin, amidst cheers and ululations from the ministry’s staff and PMU staff. Aya was beaming with delight as she accepted the keys.
Speaking on behalf of the ministry, the joyous Undersecretary, Hon. Esther Ikere Eluzai, delivered a passionate speech about the positive impact these vehicles would have on the lives of the people, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving service delivery.
“We are thrilled to receive these vehicles, which will enhance project service delivery and the ministry’s mandate,” she said.
The project management unit procured four vehicles through funding from the World Bank to support service delivery, operations, institutional strengthening, and project management.
Meanwhile, Timothy Yobuta, the SSWSEEP project manager, said, “It took us about a year to procure these vehicles through UNOPS per bank policy; however, we are happy that they are finally here,” adding that “success is the result of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.”
The project manager expressed his excitement about the faster and easier reach of beneficiaries compared to a few months ago, stating that the quality of the vehicles ensures their optimal performance for the project activities.
The PMU has hired at least two drivers to operate the ministry’s cars, ensuring their proper use.
The project’s goal is to increase girls’, women’s, entrepreneurial, and GBV services, as well as strengthen the government’s capacity.
The project targets 48,000 direct beneficiaries, 30,000 women, 6,000 adolescent girls, and 12,000 men and boys through community outreach.
The project is being implemented in all 10 South Sudanese states and in two administrative areas of Ruweng and Pibor.
Timothy Yobuta, SSWSEEP’s project manager, is handing the keys to the vehicles to the Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, Hon. Aya Warrile Benjamin, as the Undersecretary, Hon. Esther Ikere Eluzai, looks on.