Kenya Backs South Sudan Coastal Highway

(JUBA/NAIROBI) – South Sudan and Kenya have agreed to mobilise resources for the construction of the Juba to Torit to Nadapal Highway, a road expected to connect the country to the port of Mombasa.

National Minister of Roads and Bridges Peter Lam Both announced the arrangement shortly after landing at Juba International Airport from Nairobi.

The Minister had participated in a high level bilateral meeting between South Sudan and Kenya in the Kenyan capital.

He said Juba and Nairobi have accepted to reactivate a committee formed by President Salva Kiir and President William Ruto to look into concerns over common frontiers between the two countries.

The highway is seen as a lifeline for South Sudan, offering a shorter route to the sea and reducing dependence on expensive air and river transport.

Trade between South Sudan and Kenya has been growing, but poor roads have kept the cost of goods high and slowed the movement of people.

The Juba to Torit to Nadapal road passes through Eastern Equatoria State, an area that has long complained of neglect in infrastructure development.

Once completed, the road is expected to boost cross border commerce and open up agricultural areas along the corridor.

The Minister’s announcement follows a visit by the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, Gabriel Makur Amour, to Nimule.

In Nimule, the Undersecretary inspected the condition of the highway from Nimule to Juba ahead of a rehabilitation programme expected to begin soon.

He also met with various stakeholders in Nimule on mechanisms of cooperation in safeguarding the weighbridge in the town.

The weighbridge is seen as a key tool in protecting roads from damage caused by overloaded trucks.

The Nimule to Juba highway is one of the busiest routes in the country, serving as the main corridor for goods entering from Uganda.

Heavy trucks have taken a toll on the road, leaving sections badly damaged and slowing travel times.

The planned rehabilitation is expected to address the worst sections and improve safety for motorists.

In a separate development, the Minister has formally opened a temporary diversion road off Kapuri Bridge in Luri Payam of Juba County.

The arrangement sets the stage for closing the damaged bridge to traffic to allow for repairs.

The Minister said the Ministry is to identify a competent construction company to undertake work on the permanent Kapuri Bridge.

Central Equatoria State Minister of Roads and Bridges Latiyo Paul Abbas said the temporary bypass road will serve road users when work on the bridge commences.

Juba County Commissioner Samuel Emiliano said the County authorities are to provide all necessary support to the contractor to accomplish the work on Kapuri Bridge.

The Chief Executive Officer of GS Group of Companies, Girma Shifaro, said the company will work hard to accomplish the maintenance on the damaged Kapuri Bridge within the agreed timeframe.

The Kapuri Bridge is a critical link on the Juba to Nimule road, and its closure has raised concerns about disruptions to trade and travel.

Officials said the temporary road will keep traffic moving while the permanent repairs are carried out.

The government has been under pressure to improve the country’s road network, which remains largely unpaved outside the capital.

International partners have pledged support for several road projects, but progress has been slow due to funding gaps and insecurity in some areas.

The commitment between Juba and Nairobi is seen as an important step towards improving regional connectivity and trade.