By Staff Writer
A concerned resident, Yeka Joel, has appealed to development partners and well-wishers to support the rehabilitation of the bridge, warning that the project requires substantial funding and remains at the foundation stage despite the onset of the rainy season expected in March 2026.
“The bridge is still at the foundation level because of the economic crisis,” Joel said. “If it is not completed in time, communities in Otogo, Wuluturu, and Sopiri risk being isolated from basic services.”
Joel commended Yei River County authorities for launching the project, describing the initiative as a shared responsibility between government and citizens to support critical public infrastructure.
The rehabilitation of Wuluturu Bridge was officially launched earlier by Yei River County authorities as part of efforts to restore key transport links connecting Yei town to surrounding payams, rural communities, and cross-border routes.
County officials said the project was initially scheduled for completion before September 2025 but was delayed after authorities prioritized the rehabilitation of Kanjoro Bridge due to limited financial resources.
The launch ceremony was attended by Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme, the Executive Director, security officials, payam administrators, the county inspector of roads and bridges, traditional leaders, elders, community members, media representatives, and laborers from the county housing and infrastructure department, who confirmed their readiness to begin work.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner Seme said the start of work on Wuluturu Bridge fulfills an earlier pledge to rehabilitate both Kanjoro and Wuluturu bridges, noting that budget limitations prevented simultaneous implementation.
“The taxes collected from the market are now being returned to the community through service delivery,” Seme said. “This bridge will improve the movement of people and goods, enhance access to social services, and prevent communities from being cut off during the rainy season.”
He thanked residents for their patience during the resource-mobilization period and said the rehabilitation is expected to take approximately three months, subject to weather conditions and the availability of materials.
The Executive Director of Yei River County, Hillary John Konga, urged engineers and contractors to adhere strictly to the project timeline, emphasizing the bridge’s importance to public safety and economic activity.
“It is the responsibility of local government to deliver essential services using locally generated revenue,” Konga said, while also calling on the national government to continue supporting county-level service delivery.
Meanwhile, the Director of Roads and Physical Infrastructure, Richard Lugala Godo, described Wuluturu Bridge as vital to the county’s development, noting that it links Yei town to rural areas and payams, including Otogo, and extends toward the Democratic Republic of Congo border, supporting trade and regional mobility.
Community leaders also welcomed the project.
Justin Dicko, the Head Chief of Ronyi Boma, praised the county leadership for prioritizing infrastructure rehabilitation, calling it a positive step toward improving local development.
Elder Sanya James said the rehabilitation of the bridge is expected to enhance security and boost trade by ensuring reliable year-round access for residents and traders.
County officials estimate the total cost of the project at 109 million South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), with 11 million SSP already released to finance the initial phase of construction. Authorities say additional funding will be required to complete the project before the peak of the rainy season.