Residents Raise Alarm Over Deteriorating Yei-Kaya Road

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents living along the Yei-Kaya Road have expressed growing concern over the worsening condition of key sections of the road, particularly around Hai Simba, Jigomoni, Dilimoko and One Mile areas, where heavy rains have severely damaged the roadway and disrupted movement.

The affected communities say erosion and deep potholes, especially near the Yei River Bridge and beyond, have made transport difficult for several months. Residents are now appealing to the Yei River County local government to intervene and rehabilitate the road.

Malish Timon, a resident of the Referendum area, said the poor state of the road continues to affect schoolchildren, traders and women who depend on the route to access essential services in Yei town.

“If you come from Yei town, there is a bad spot at Hai Simba before reaching the bridge. The road requires murram filling and grading to restore it properly. We call upon the government and construction companies operating in Yei to help address this challenge,” Timon said.

Grace Tabu, a resident of Jigomoni, noted that although community members have made efforts to repair some of the damaged sections, the road remains a major challenge for motorists and pedestrians.

“When it rains, the road becomes difficult to use. Cars, trucks and even pedestrians struggle to pass through. We appeal to the government to improve this important road to ease movement,” she said.

Charles Mabe, a resident of Dilimoko village, identified another problematic section between the new Customs (Jamarik) office and Referendum area in Ronyi Boma, saying it requires proper murram filling to improve traffic flow.

“This section becomes damaged every year because it has not been permanently fixed. During heavy rains, residents find it difficult to travel to and from town, especially at night. We seek government support to resolve the problem,” Mabe explained.

Concerned citizen Yeka Joel Denis called for long-term solutions to address recurring road infrastructure challenges. He urged both state and county authorities to deploy road maintenance equipment for regular grading of roads in urban and rural areas.

“This road is becoming impassable during the rainy season. We appeal to the State Ministry of Roads and the local government to grade the road because community efforts alone cannot solve the problem without proper machinery,” Denis said.

Speaking earlier to Access Radio, the Director of Physical Infrastructure in Yei River County, Richard Lugala Godo, acknowledged the infrastructure challenges facing the county. He said that despite limited financial resources and inadequate road equipment, the local government remains committed to addressing critical infrastructure needs affecting residents.

The Yei-Kaya Road is a major national highway linking South Sudan to neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo through Morobo County, making it an important route for trade and transportation.