Having provided crucial technical and humanitarian assistance, the 108 Indian Construction Engineering Company (CEC) left UNMIS Malakal area on 9 August, to be followed by a fresh contingent.
The outgoing Indian Sappers started developmental work in Upper Nile, Jonglei and Unity States in February, assisting with restoration of roads and bridges, construction of helipads, drainage systems, shelters and sanitation facilities, while battling rains and underdeveloped infrastructure.
"The vagaries of nature (...) have been the greatest challenge in rendering engineer support in Sudan," noted Lt. Col. Poomage Krishna Seetaram from the outgoing team. "A nearly non-existent road and communication network, limited infrastructure coupled with the hazards (of) torrential rain, the area was always a scourge for the engineers."
Besides engineering support, CEC also carried out humanitarian and community work, including the burial of fatal casualties of the Malakal clashes between the Sudan People's Liberation Army and Sudanese Armed Forces in February 2009, and timely restoration of damaged infrastructure.
The company was also instrumental in rendering engineering support to UNMIS' Temporary Operating Bases at Pibor and Akobo. And it deployed an Indian Battalion contingent in record time to monitor the situation in Abyei after the Permanent Court of Arbitration made its verdict about the town's boundaries in July.
Another Indian engineering contingent will continue developmental work in the area. "Our focus will be on the completion of ongoing engineering projects, especially in the area of the Nasir team site," said Lt. Col. Chanchal Banerjee of the incoming contingent.
