Yei Airstrip Passenger Lounge Project Set for Re-Assessment

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Authorities in Yei River County have announced plans to reassess the stalled construction of a passenger waiting lounge at Yei Airstrip, following growing public concern over the delayed project.

Residents and frequent travelers have called on both county and state authorities to urgently resume and complete the long-pending facility, which was intended to improve travel conditions at the airstrip.

Peter Malish, a resident of Marakonye Village, warned that the unfinished structure is deteriorating and may soon collapse if immediate action is not taken.

“The building is rapidly deteriorating due to heavy rainfall and constant exposure to the sun,” Malish said. “Parts of the roof are already rotting and bending. If nothing is done soon, it could collapse.”

Lugala Richard Godo, Director of Physical Infrastructure in Yei River County, confirmed that his office will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the project. He stated that consultations with key stakeholders will be carried out to determine the reasons behind the halted construction.

“I will consult with the people concerned to understand what happened during the project and why it stalled at its current stage,” Lugala told Access Radio on Tuesday. “As the director of physical infrastructure, it is not acceptable to leave such an important public facility incomplete.”

He added that the findings from the assessment will be presented to both the State Director of Physical Infrastructure and the County Commissioner to guide the next steps toward completing the passenger lounge.

The passenger waiting lounge project dates back to 2021, when the former Yei River State authorities allocated approximately $60,000 for its construction. The facility was designed to accommodate up to 60 passengers and was seen as a critical development for improving transport infrastructure in the region.

However, despite initial progress, construction stalled midway, leaving the building incomplete and exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Residents say the abandoned structure has become a symbol of stalled development and are urging leaders to prioritize its completion. Many believe the facility would significantly improve travel comfort and safety for passengers using the airstrip.

With renewed commitment from county authorities, the reassessment is expected to pave the way for decisions on funding, accountability and eventual completion of the long-delayed project.

For now, the community remains hopeful that the intervention will restore momentum and transform the incomplete structure into a fully functional passenger facility serving the people of Yei River County.