Northern Bahr el Ghazal Steps Up Road Rehabilitation

(AWEIL) – Governor Simon Ober Mawut of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State visited ongoing road rehabilitation projects in Aweil Town on Wednesday, and effectively signalled continued government efforts to improve infrastructure in one of South Sudan’s key northern urban centres.

The inspection tour included key internal roads between the Aweil Teachers Training Institute and Northern Bahr el Ghazal University.

Ober also reviewed repair works on road connections linking the residential areas of Mathiang, Maper West and Rum-Akurdit.

According to officials from the state infrastructure office, the aim of the road rehabilitation is to improve connectivity, ease transportation for residents and ensure better access to essential services such as education and healthcare.

The Governor’s visit was both symbolic and practical. It served to monitor the pace of the construction and address any technical or logistical issues on site.

Speaking briefly during the tour, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening internal infrastructure as a pillar of local development.

“This is a step toward making daily movement easier for our people. We will continue to prioritise projects that bring lasting impact,” the governor reportedly said.

The road improvements are part of a broader initiative by the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State government aimed at revitalising urban infrastructure.

Local communities have long raised concerns about poor road conditions, especially during the rainy season, which can render key transport routes impassable.

No specific budget figures were released during the visit.

Residents in Aweil have welcomed the work but also urged for broader and sustained infrastructure investment.

Some community members highlighted the need for similar attention to be given to drainage systems, street lighting and waste management.

In border states such as Northern Bahr el Ghazal, infrastructure development has been slow due to years of underinvestment, insecurity and limited budget allocation. However, local leaders are increasingly pushing for visible change at the grassroots level.

This latest inspection reflects growing pressure on state officials to show progress on the ground and deliver on post conflict recovery promises.

Local infrastructure achievements may prove influential in shaping public opinion and voter confidence as South Sudan is preparing for its first post independence national elections scheduled for late 2026.

The governor’s inspection concluded without major public remarks but was widely shared on social media platforms by the Aweil News Agency and local government offices, accompanied by photos of the governor walking with technical staff and engineers through the road sites.

Editor’s Note: The visibility of such visits is intended to reassure the public that the government is active and responsive. Whether these efforts translate into lasting transformation remains to be seen.