By Alan Clement
A Member of Parliament representing Yei River County, has appealed to the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to expedite the rehabilitation of the Juba-Kaya-Yei Road.
Speaking during the 11th ordinary sitting of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on Wednesday August 27, 2025, Paul Yoane Bonju warned that the strategic highway is becoming increasingly impassable.
He referenced a national infrastructure directive issued by President Salva Kiir that South Sudan should have road connectivity to major towns including Warrap, Aweil, Wau, Rumbek, Yambio, and Torit. He further noted that during the President’s visit to the People’s Republic of China, crude oil was earmarked for road development, including the Juba-Yei-Kaya corridor.
“As I speak, Juba-Kaya-Yei Road will become inaccessible to the travelers,” he warned. “I want to appeal to the Minister of Roads and Bridges to make maintenance on this road,” he added calling for support from the newly appointed Presidential Envoy on Special Programmes, Adut Salva Kiir to ensure that this road is constructed.
The lawmaker noted that African Resources Corporation (ARC), the company contracted to construct the road, only cleared bushes approximately 68 miles from Juba and 12 miles from Yei towards Kaya before halting works.
Bonju also highlighted the historical significance of the Juba-Kaya-Yei route by reminding lawmakers that, “when the SPLA entered Juba during the liberation struggle, they entered through Juba-Yei Road,” stressing the need to preserve its legacy and ensure safe travel for citizens.
In response, Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, Jemma Nunu Kumba acknowledged the concern but redirected the matter to the parliamentary committee on roads, stating, “There is a committee for roads in the parliament, so it is them to handle this.”
The Juba-Yei-Kaya highway serves as a vital trade and humanitarian corridor connecting the capital to the southern border with Uganda and onward to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Poor road conditions have frequently disrupted travel and trade, raising concerns over accessibility and safety. Its neglect could further isolate border towns and undermine ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and economic recovery.