Yei Residents Welcome Progress on Air Strip Road

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Rehabilitation work on the road linking the UNMISS base, Yei town and the air strip is close to completion, according to local residents and officials.

The project which began in August 2025 covers about five miles and is funded by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Local communities have contributed materials to support the work.

Residents in Hai Police and other neighbourhoods say the visible progress has raised hopes of better movement within the county. Likambu Peter, who lives in hai Police, said the main section between the UNMISS compound at Hai Erap and the air strip has already been graded.

He said the road now needs marrum and proper levelling to be fully usable.

Boda boda riders in the town shared similar views. Bidali Tom said drains have been dug on both sides of the road, but surface finishing is still not done. He said riders want to see the final layers applied and the work completed without delay.

Bidali also called for more attention to the roads within the town. He said many of the streets in the central square remain in poor condition and urged both the county authorities and UNMISS to work together to address them.

County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme said at the launch of the project in August that the road works would help reduce isolation and improve access to neighbouring countries. He said Yei has long struggled with damaged roads and bridges, especially during the rainy months.

He asked UNMISS to consider extending the work to smaller roads that link markets and homes. He also said fixing potholes in the town square would improve movement, support trade and help reduce insecurity, including cases of abduction. Better access to services would also follow, he said.

No costs were mentioned in connection with the work.