Bridge Collapse Cuts Off Tore Residents from Yei Town

(Yei) – Thousands of residents in South Sudan’s Tore Payam, located in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, have been left stranded and unable to access basic services after the only bridge linking the area to Yei town collapsed. The Goli bridge, which sits along the Yei to Maridi road, crumbled under the weight of a heavy truck carrying logs following a weekend of intense rainfall. The road and bridge are managed by South Sudan’s national government.

Local leaders, residents and traders say the damage has completely cut off access to critical services including hospitals, schools and markets. Dusman Njengo, the head chief of Tore Payam, said the collapse has brought movement to a halt. “Farmers and traders used this bridge to reach markets. It was the only link for people needing health, education and security services,” she told local media.

Mary Tabitha, a local resident, warned of dire consequences for those needing emergency care, especially pregnant women and the sick. “That bridge was already in poor condition since 2015. Now, it is completely down. People could die simply because an ambulance cannot reach them,” she said.

James Mawa, a small business owner, criticised the national and state governments for failing to take action. “Several assessments were done. Still, nothing was repaired. Now we are completely cut off,” he said.

Authorities from the county’s roads department have confirmed the damage but said they lack the equipment and resources needed to carry out urgent repairs. Richard Lugala Go’do, Director for Roads and Bridges in Yei River County, said his office would prepare a report to be submitted to the County Commissioner and other relevant bodies. “Our challenge is the lack of tools and funding. We even have two other bridges in Yei town that are also on the verge of collapse,” Lugala added.

South Sudan’s government previously launched an oil-for-roads initiative in 2020 to improve national infrastructure. However, implementation has lagged behind. The Ministry of Roads and Bridges had pledged to develop a policy to link the country to East and Central Africa, but this latest collapse raises questions about the lack of immediate maintenance and response.

South Sudan’s economy, heavily reliant on oil which makes up 95 percent of the national budget, has struggled to recover following years of civil conflict and high inflation.

Efforts to contact the national and state ministries for comment have so far gone unanswered.