Greater Yei Residents Urge Action on Juba–Yei–Kaya Road Construction Project

(MOROBO / YEI / LAINYA ) — Residents of the Greater Yei region have welcomed the government’s plan to construct the long-awaited Juba–Lainya–Yei–Morobo–Kaya asphalt highway.

On 20 February 2026, the Council of Ministers, in its regular meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, endorsed a 2 billion US dollar road development project backed by the country’s gold reserves.

The Cabinet awarded a sovereign guarantee to Shamrock Global Group to construct and upgrade more than 1,031 kilometers of strategic national roads.

According to the government, the project will upgrade several key routes to asphalt standard, including:

Juba–Yei–Kaya Road, Yei–Faraksika–Maridi Road, Lobonok–Moli Junction Road and Wau–Raja–Boro Medina Roads respectively.

Residents Welcome the Initiative

Speaking to Access Radio, John Tom Lokosa, a resident of Morobo town, welcomed the government’s decision and urged authorities to move from promises to action.

“The community is very happy, and we want this road project to start and not end in talks in Juba. Once constructed, it will ease transport and promote trade between Uganda, Congo, and South Sudan. It will fast-track development initiatives.”

Joseph Lukadi, a resident of Yei town, also welcomed the announcement but expressed concern over implementation.

“I am always interested in development, but I will only be happy to see it implemented on the ground. Our biggest worry is whether this project will be delivered or end like unimplemented peace agreements that remained on paper. If it is a genuine development project meant for the people, then it must be implemented.”

Wani Edward Mathew, a resident and Secretary General of the Lainya County Civil Society Network, described the road project as long overdue and called for transparency and accountability.

“This road project is overdue. There must be close accountability, transparency, and monitoring to ensure it meets the required standards. Experts should be hired to guarantee the road is completed.”

Expected Economic Impact

According to Wani, once completed, the road will boost: Agricultural production, Cross-border trade, Transportation services and Economic growth across Juba, Lainya, Yei, and Morobo counties.

The highway is considered strategically important as it connects South Sudan to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, potentially strengthening regional trade.

Last year, several residents and analysts criticized the government for failing to implement the “oil-for-roads” infrastructure initiative, saying their expectations for improved roads following independence were not met.

With the latest endorsement, residents say they hope this time the project will move beyond paperwork and become a tangible development milestone for the Greater Yei region.