As I walk through the streets of Juba each morning especially in Gudele and Hai-Referendum, I feel struck by a profound sense of concern and helplessness. The clogged water pathways, overflowing drains, and residents walking through stagnant pools of water has become an unavoidable reality that weighs heavily on my heart. The persistent plastic pollution choking the drainage systems is not just an environmental issue it is a crisis threatening the health, safety, and dignity of our people.
I personally observed the blockage along the main drainage corridor constructed along Gudele Hai-Referendum Road, a vital route designed to improve water flow during rainy seasons. What was once a promising infrastructure project has been rendered ineffective by an accumulation of plastics and debris, obstructing the flow of water. During heavy rains, this blockage transforms the area into a flooded nightmare, turning streets into rivers and homes into islands of despair. Families living in flooded compounds and sleeping in flooded house are forced to endure the relentless presence of stagnant water. The stagnant water make their surrounding becomes a breeding ground for disease, mosquitoes, and other health hazards.
Similar challenges are evident in neighborhoods like Thongpiny near Juba International Airport, where clogged drains and poorly planned waterways have become common. It is heartbreaking to see residents, especially children and the elderly, navigating these conditions daily. Many of them wake up early, holding shoes in their hands, to avoid stepping into contaminated water on their way to work or school. Night after night, families sleep in flooded houses, their lives overshadowed by the threat of waterborne diseases and structural damage.
The root cause of this crisis is simply the neglect of proper waste management and inadequate urban planning. Plastic waste bottles, bags, and other debris continues to choke our drainage systems because of a lack of collective responsibility and awareness.
Meanwhile, city authorities have yet to prioritize the redesign and maintenance of drainage infrastructure that could prevent such blockages. It is high time for a concerted effort an urgent call for collaboration among city authorities, local councils, residents, and NGOs to clear plastic debris from water pathways and develop sustainable drainage systems.
Clearing the existing blockages is a critical immediate step. Without removing accumulated plastics and debris, any effort to improve water flow will be futile. Equally important is the need to invest in comprehensive urban planning that emphasizes efficient drainage infrastructure.
For example, connecting Gudele and Hai-Referendum with well-designed, unobstructed waterways will ensure that heavy rains no longer turn our streets into flood zones. Such infrastructure upgrades are essential not only for sanitation and health but also for economic stability and community resilience.
I appeal to our city authorities to step outside their offices, tour the affected neighborhoods, and witness firsthand the suffering of their residents. Understanding the reality on the ground is the first step toward sustainable solutions. Juba has the potential to be a model city organized, well-planned, and resilient if authorities and government prioritize urban development and environmental management. Our city’s growth should reflect our commitment to the health and well-being of residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
It is within our collective power to change this narrative. Managing plastic waste, improving drainage systems, and fostering community engagement are achievable goals if we work together. Every hand counts—residents, local officials, NGOs—uniting to clear plastic blockages and advocate for better urban planning. The future of Juba depends on our actions today. We must act now to restore our waterways, safeguard public health, and ensure a livable environment for generations to come.