During more than twenty years of civil war in Sudan, Southern Sudan's skeletal government administration was able to make virtually no investment in schools, health clinics, public buildings, water and sanitation facilities, power and communications networks or roads. The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement paved the way for reconstruction and the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) is addressing urgent development needs, with the support of a Multi-Donor Trust Fund. This Fund is a means for international donors to coordinate reconstruction and development needs.
With an annual procurement budget in excess of US$ 400 million and limited procurement capacity, the Southern Sudanese government contracted Crown Agents through competitive tender to help with its procurement workload. Our team mobilised in February 2007 and is now assisting the 22 ministries and 10 state governments with their procurement of goods, works and services.