By Yiep Joseph
Central Equatorial State (CES) governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony and the Minister of roads and bridges discussed initiatives to speed up road rehabilitation in the coming year.
According to the statement from the governor’s press unit, the two leaders on Thursday discussed the way forward to improving road connectivity.
“Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony met with the National Minister of Roads and Bridges, Hon. Peter Lam Both, to discuss key national road projects set to kick off next year,” the statement partly read.
“The focus is on boosting connectivity with key projects, which includes the Juba-Yei-Kaya-Maridi Road and the Juba-Lobonok Road, aiming to enhance access to markets and improve infrastructure for smoother movement of goods and people,” it read.
According to the governor’s press unit, the governor and the minister reiterated their commitment toward better roads.
“The two leaders renewed their commitment to fast-tracking these projects, emphasizing how better roads will uplift service delivery and accelerate economic growth in Central Equatoria State. They highlighted the importance of collaboration for regional integration and trade,” the statement read.
Last month 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.
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.
Also in the year 2024, the initiative launched by the National Government in partnership with the Central Equatoria State Government, which aimed to construct, upgrade, and rehabilitate 35 kilometres of roads in Juba City, was not achieved due to lack of funds.