By Alan Clement
South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly directed its Committee of Roads to investigate the deteriorating Juba–Lainya–Kaya highway and, if necessary, summon the Minister of Roads to explain the neglect.
The decision came during the TNLA’s 19th Ordinary Sitting on Tuesday after MP Dusman Joyce of Lainya County raised concern that the road, particularly between mile 55 and 59, has remained in disrepair despite repeated appeals to both state and national authorities.
She said the Ministry of Roads has failed to respond, even though the highway is classified as a national road.
Joyce expressed frustration that repeated visits to the road yielded no action, stressing its importance as the main route for food supplies into Juba.
“We went there several times, but there is no answer. The food coming from that side is what feeds Juba,” Joyce told the Assembly.
She criticized the Ministry of Roads for failing to inspect the deteriorating highway, urging Parliament to hold the minister accountable.
“Yet the Minister of Roads has not gone to see exactly what is happening,” she added, calling on lawmakers to summon the minister.
Second Deputy Speaker Parmena Awerial, who presided over the sitting, directed the Committee of Roads to investigate the matter and engage the minister directly in order to assess the situation on the ground.
“The committee of roads should call the minister first so that they see what is there,” Awerial said.
He added that if the committee’s efforts fail, the matter would be escalated to the full House for questioning. “If they fail, it will be presented to the House so that the House questions him about the issue of the road,” he noted.
The Juba–Kaya Road is one of South Sudan’s most important transport corridors, connecting the country to Uganda through the border town of Kaya. It serves as a lifeline for trade and humanitarian access, carrying food, goods, and essential supplies into the capital.
Despite its strategic importance, the road has long suffered from poor maintenance, with sections becoming impassable during the rainy season.
Government officials have previously acknowledged the road’s significance. In past years, Central Equatoria leaders, including former Governor Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani, have highlighted the need for investment in infrastructure to support trade and stability.
However, lawmakers say little progress has been made, leaving communities along the route frustrated.
The TNLA’s move to engage directly with the Minister of Roads reflects growing pressure on the government to prioritize infrastructure development.
Lawmakers argue that neglecting the Juba–Kaya highway undermines both economic growth and public confidence in state institutions.
The Committee of Roads is expected to review the situation and report back to Parliament, with the possibility of a full House debate if the minister fails to provide satisfactory answers.