By Louis Loku
A high-level delegation from the Central Equatoria State Government inspected the ongoing Lou–Referendum Road Project to assess construction progress, verify engineering standards, and review the implementation timeline of the road works.
The delegation was led by the State Minister of Roads and Bridges, Hon. Latio Paul Abbas, representing Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony.
During the inspection, government officials toured key sections of the project to evaluate the quality of work and ensure that construction is progressing according to the approved engineering specifications.
The delegation also met with residents and business owners along the project corridor, urging them to cooperate with authorities by clearing encroachments on the road reserve to enable contractors to complete the works on schedule.
Hon. Latio emphasised the importance of community support in ensuring the successful implementation of the project, noting that removing structures and other obstructions within the road reserve will help avoid delays and improve the overall quality of the road.
The Lou–Referendum Road Project forms part of a two-phase road infrastructure program funded under the Presidential Special Program of President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The initiative is being implemented through the Office of the Presidential Special Program in collaboration with the Central Equatoria State Government and the Juba City Council.
According to project officials, the first phase includes the construction and rehabilitation of the Lou–Referendum Road, Airport Road, and the Lou–Jebel Lodge corridor extending towards Freedom Bridge.
The second phase of the program will focus on upgrading and paving internal roads within Juba City to improve urban mobility and enhance transportation services.
The road project is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity between key parts of the city, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and contribute to the capital’s economic development.
State officials reaffirmed their commitment to closely monitoring the implementation of the project to ensure it meets the required standards and is completed within the planned timeframe.