Lawmaker Sounds Alarm Over Poor State of Juba–Yei Road

By Jenifer James

A member of parliament has expressed serious concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of the Juba–Yei road, warning that this vital route could soon become impassable without urgent maintenance.

Speaking during a parliamentary sitting on Wednesday, Paul Yoane Bonju, who represents Constituency Number Four in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, praised President Salva Kiir Mayardit for his initiative to improve road connectivity but urged the government to ensure its implementation.

“For the first time, I want to thank His Excellency, the President, from the bottom of my heart for his wise initiative on road connectivity across South Sudan,” Hon. Bonju stated. “The President has directed that major towns such as Aweil, Wau, and Rumbek, as well as the Juba–Yei road, should be prioritised.”

He recalled that the African Resource Corporation (ARC) had been contracted to construct the Juba–Yei road, with initial bush clearance completed; however, the work has since stalled.

“Approximately 68 miles from Juba up to Loka were cleared, and 12 miles from the Yei side were also worked on. But as I speak, the Juba–Yei road is on the verge of becoming inaccessible to travellers,” he warned.

The legislator appealed to both the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister of Roads and Bridges for intervention.

“I urge for at least some maintenance along this road, as our people are struggling. We need this road to remain usable,” Bonju added.

He also called for support to engage with the newly appointed Presidential Advisor on Special Programmes, Madam Adut, to revive the stalled project.

“This road has historic significance. When the SPLA entered Juba, they came through the Juba–Yei road. This is why I believe it must be prioritised and maintained,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Jemma Nunu Kumba has directed the specialised committee on roads to investigate the matter further and follow up with the relevant authorities.