The bridge is not just a simple transportation structure, but also a symbol of connection, hope, and the effort to build peace in a land still marked by division.
The Banton Bridge is a strategic vital transportation artery, directly impacting the security, economy , and livelihoods of the people in Abyei. The bridge's severe deterioration over a long period has hampered UNISFA patrol operations, disrupted traffic flow, and hindered humanitarian relief efforts.
Handover ceremony for the Banton bridge after repair and upgrade. Photo: 4th Engineering Team.
The 4th Engineering Battalion of Vietnam was tasked with repairing the Banton Bridge; this was not only a technical and material challenge, but also demanded courage, intelligence, and empathy.
Overcoming difficulties with materials, weather, and construction conditions, with their technical skills, creativity, and determination, Engineering Team No. 4 miraculously "revived" the bridge.
On the day the bridge was handed over, the local people danced with joy; it was a symbolic moment of the bond between the military and the people.
Colonel Alexander De Lima, Chief of Staff of the military mission, noted that the repairs to the Banton Bridge were "completed in just one week." He called it a commendable testament to the speed, efficiency, and direct link between infrastructure and security.
The 4th Engineering Battalion repairs the Banton Bridge. Photo: 4th Engineering Battalion
Mr. Kuol Deng Rau, Acting Chief Administrator of Abyei District, called it the result of "international partnership," where "challenges have been turned into successes." Meanwhile, Mr. Nyang Doldol Nyang, District Chief of Alal, viewed the bridge as proof of the United Nations' concern and Vietnam's affection for the Abyei region.
In particular, the Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Public Services, Mr. Kon Maneit Matiok, praised the "admirable performance, discipline and work ethic" of the Vietnamese blue beret soldiers.
At the handover ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Trinh Van Cuong, representing the 4th Engineering Brigade, emphasized that Vietnamese soldiers not only help protect peace but also contribute to building peace – "little by little, brick by brick."
"Through this bridge, we are proud to make a sustainable contribution to that noble mission," he stated.
Photo: 4th Engineering Team
Locals joyfully danced beside the newly repaired, sturdy bridge. Photo: 4th Engineering Battalion
In addition, the 4th Engineering Team also donated humanitarian aid such as food to the people living in the Banton Bridge area.
These activities are a highlight, emphasizing the role of engineering soldiers in peacekeeping missions, demonstrating the dual role of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" as both skilled engineers and "messengers" of peace.
The 4th Engineering Team, comprising 184 officers and personnel, was deployed from the Air Force, Navy, Military Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4; the 12th Corps; the Engineering, Special Forces, and Communications branches; the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department; and several other agencies and units. The team departed for Abyei on September 26th to replace the 3rd Engineering Team. Abyei is a disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan. In 2011, the two countries signed an agreement committing to withdraw troops from the demilitarized zone in Abyei and establish a joint mechanism to resolve the issue. However, little substantive progress has been made to date. UNISFA was established in 2011 under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1990 with the mission of protecting civilians and promoting demilitarization in Abyei. |
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nguoi-dan-chau-phi-nhay-mua-ben-cay-cau-do-chien-si-cong-binh-viet-nam-sua-chua-2456986.html
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