[PHOTOS] – Airport Road Upgrade Begins in Yei

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Work has begun on the rehabilitation of Yei’s internal road network, marking a significant step towards improving infrastructure in the border county.

The launch took place on Wednesday morning in Yei town, with funding and technical support provided by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Speaking at the official ceremony near the county’s main gate, Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme welcomed UNMISS officials, noting that the project would start with the rehabilitation of the road connecting the town to Yei Airport.

Commissioner Taban said the works would deliver vital benefits for the county, which serves as a key transit link to neighbouring countries but has suffered from years of poor road conditions and damaged bridges, particularly during the rainy season.

He appealed to UNMISS to extend the initiative to include feeder roads linking local markets and to repair potholes. He stressed that better infrastructure could help reduce insecurity, including incidents of abduction, while improving access to services.

“We can achieve peace through development, which can encourage those still holding out to return and join the government,” he said.

UNMISS Sector Commander Mohammed Iqbal described the project as modest in size but important in purpose, aligning with the mission’s mandate to promote peace, stability and development. He highlighted the need for more direct access to local areas to enable better assessment of community needs.

South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) Greater Yei Commander Major General John Lual assured the UN mission that the security situation in the county remained calm. He pledged full cooperation to ensure the work could proceed without hindrance but cautioned that some armed groups in the region continued to pose risks to humanitarian workers.

Yei Director for Roads and Physical Infrastructure Richard Lugala Godo welcomed the project as overdue, saying it would improve transport, stimulate economic activity and enhance the livelihoods of local communities.

UNMISS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting development projects in Yei that could strengthen both security and economic prospects.