KHARTOUM – The head of Sudan’s National Roads and Bridges Corporation accused private companies of inflating the cost of road and bridge projects, saying the newly established state-owned company aims to end what he described as their monopoly over the sector.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Director General Khalid Hamdoun said the corporation was created to strengthen Sudan’s infrastructure sector by implementing the construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of roads and bridges at the lowest possible cost in coordination with the Ministry of Finance.
Hamdoun alleged that some private companies had exploited the state by charging inflated prices for infrastructure projects, saying the new corporation would help reduce costs and improve the efficiency of public spending.
He said the corporation has officially taken possession of its headquarters from the Ministry of Infrastructure and has begun forming specialized committees to inventory machinery and equipment located in government-controlled areas in preparation for launching operations.
According to the ministry, Hamdoun also called on the company’s shareholders—led by the Ministry of Finance, which owns a 98% stake—to support the start of its activities.
He said establishing the National Roads and Bridges Corporation had become an urgent priority to support the reconstruction of infrastructure and rehabilitate Sudan’s road network while accelerating project implementation.
Much of Sudan’s transport infrastructure has been damaged or left without maintenance since the outbreak of the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, increasing the need for large-scale reconstruction once security conditions permit.
