Roads Minister Outlines Highway Expansion Plan 2026

(JUBA) – The Minister of National Roads and Bridges, Peter Lam Both, has announced a new vision aimed at transforming road infrastructure across South Sudan by 2026, with a focus on partnerships with experienced international companies.

Speaking in Juba, the minister said the government plans to work with firms that have strong technical and financial capacity to design, finance and build major highways. He explained that the approach would rely on agreements backed by the country’s natural resources rather than direct cash payments.

According to the minister, the ministry intends to use resources such as oil, minerals and agricultural products as guarantees for infrastructure projects. He said this model is intended to speed up construction and overcome funding challenges that have slowed road development in the past.

“We have to look for international companies with their own competence and resources to build our roads using guarantees of oil and other resources in exchange for infrastructure,” Lam said. He added that building roads through direct cash payments is not effective and has not delivered results in many countries.

The minister noted that South Sudan has about 10,000 kilometres of major highways, which he described as essential links between states and key routes for trade with neighbouring countries. He said improving these roads would help reduce transport costs, support markets and improve access to services.

Lam also revealed a proposal to open an escrow account outside the country to manage funds for infrastructure projects. He said placing resource revenues for roads under a trusted and transparent system would help attract credible investors and construction companies.

“If we are allowed to open an escrow account in which oil money for infrastructure is deposited with a reliable entity, this will attract more investments to the country,” he said.

The minister stressed that better roads would do more than support trade and economic growth. He said a strong road network would also promote national unity by connecting communities across different regions and states.

“When a road runs from Central Equatoria to the Renk area of Upper Nile State, it connects people and promotes national integration,” he said.

The new vision of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges aims to move away from short term fixes towards a sustainable infrastructure strategy supported by national resources. The minister said this approach is expected to accelerate development and strengthen unity across South Sudan as the country works towards improved connectivity by 2026.

Key road network overview