[PHOTOS] – Morobo Returnees Launch Voluntary Road Maintenance

(MOROBO) – A group of 25 returnees and local residents in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State, have started voluntary maintenance of a key feeder road in their area, despite ongoing insecurity and lack of formal support from the government or aid agencies.

The community driven initiative aims to improve access to markets, reduce transport difficulties and connect rural farming areas to the Morobo town centre. Locals say the deteriorated road has caused numerous accidents and delays in transporting food items, especially for women and boda boda (motorbike taxi) riders.

Using only handheld tools, the group has begun filling potholes caused by erosion along the long stretch from Morobo centre to Lujulo Payam. The road is crucial for traders and farmers who rely on it to access markets and essential services.

Team leader Mr Amule Steven said they were compelled to act due to the hardships local women face when walking along the damaged road to reach Morobo market.

“Our mothers fall while carrying food to market. Boda boda riders also find it difficult to transport goods. So we decided to take action ourselves,” he said in an interview with Iyete FM 87.7 in Morobo County.

Amule appealed for support from the government, development partners and well wishers to provide tools and food for work to keep the effort going. He said the group is willing to extend the road work all the way to Wudabi Payam, over 30 kilometres from Morobo County Headquarters.