South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The governor of Jonglei State, Dr. Riek Gai Kok, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), has unveiled a plan to rehabilitate rural roads to facilitate trade and humanitarian operations in the remote areas of Jonglei State.
“The roads will be rehabilitated to a basic standard, ensuring year-round accessibility and minimising disruptions. This effort is critical for enabling humanitarian operations, supporting local trade, and strengthening community resilience,” said Governor Kok on Friday at the State Secretariat.
“This is more than a plan; it is a promise fulfilled. With the support of our national partners, the WFP, we are laying the foundation for a future built on connectivity, opportunity, and peace,” he added.
The planned road rehabilitation projects will cover a distance of 95 km in the first phase, connecting Ayod, Pathai, Motot, Waat, and Walgak.
The second phase will encompass approximately 94 km, covering the Walgak-Kalkuny-Akobo road.
The third phase will connect Motor, Lankien, Pading, Pathai, and Karam, spanning a distance of 96 km.
The fourth phase will cover 139 km, extending from Poktap to Payuel, Pajut, Fatuei, Yuai, Pieri, and Mwotot.
Kok described this milestone in infrastructure development as “a turning point for Jonglei,” noting that the initiative has been endorsed by the transitional government and the national Ministry of Roads and Bridges.
He also stated that the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has proposed a series of road rehabilitation projects targeting key humanitarian corridors, adding that the initiative will focus on restoring access to remote communities in Jonglei State.
Kok revealed that his government has developed a series of strategic interventions aimed at strengthening security, revitalising the economy, and transforming infrastructure across the region.
“Roads are not just infrastructure; they are lifelines. They connect families to healthcare, children to schools, and farmers to markets. They bring hope, dignity, and stability,” he said.
“The government of Jonglei is committed to inclusive governance. We are building more than roads; we are building trust, unity, and a future of lasting peace,” he concluded.
