Yei County MP Calls for Action on Abandoned Highway Project

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Communities and businesses in Yei are bearing the brunt of delays in the Juba to Yei highway project, as worsening road conditions continue to block access, raise transport costs and disrupt trade in Central Equatoria.

Paul Yoane Bonju, the Member of Parliament representing Yei River County, told lawmakers on Wednesday that the Juba to Yei and Morobo highways remain in poor condition despite government promises and partial progress.

“The president prioritised the Juba to Yei to Kaya highway as part of the national road programme,” Bonju said. “But the reality today is that the road is on the verge of becoming impassable, especially after the heavy rains.”

The highway is a lifeline for Yei’s farmers, traders and transport operators who depend on the route to access markets in Juba and across the Ugandan border. Many have reported increased costs and longer travel times, affecting both food supply and small businesses.

The project is part of South Sudan’s oil for roads arrangement, agreed with Chinese contractors in 2018. Under the scheme, the country pays in crude oil rather than cash for infrastructure. The African Resource Corporation (ARC), a firm owned by Vice President for the Economic Cluster Benjamin Bol Mel, was tasked with work on the Yei road.

According to Bonju, only bush clearance was carried out, covering about 68 miles between Juba and Loka and a further 12 miles from Yei to Kaya. No significant construction has taken place since, leaving Yei increasingly cut off.

“If nothing is done urgently, Yei will soon be completely inaccessible,” Bonju warned. “This road is not only for passengers, it is the only reliable route for businesspeople moving goods to and from Juba.”

Local traders say that transport charges on the route have doubled in recent months due to the deteriorating road. With trucks frequently breaking down, some businesses are shifting to smaller cross border routes through Uganda, further isolating Yei.

Bonju appealed to the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to intervene, while also pressing parliament’s leadership to ensure the concerns of Yei residents are heard.

He reminded lawmakers that Yei had played a critical role during the liberation struggle, serving as a strategic entry point for the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement before its advance on Juba in 2005.