Kajo-Keji Residents Welcome New Cement Factory Project Worth $560 Million

(KAJO-KEJI COUNTY) – Residents of Kajo-Keji County in Central Equatoria State have welcomed the State Government’s plan to establish a cement and steel rebar industry in the area, describing it as a major step towards industrial growth and job creation in South Sudan.

Earlier this month, the Government of Central Equatoria State approved a proposal valued at 560 million US dollars (about 3.976 trillion South Sudanese Pounds) from Global Trading Commodities Group (GTC) to build a cement and steel rebar factory in Kajo-Keji County.

The approval was made during an extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting chaired by Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, the Governor of Central Equatoria State. The proposal was presented by Stephen Lado Onesimo, the State Minister of Trade and Industry.

Following the meeting, Patrick Nyarsuk, the Minister of Information and Communication, told reporters that GTC is an international firm engaged in mining, large infrastructure projects, investment, and project financing. He said the company’s investment will establish the first major cement and steel rebar plants of their kind in South Sudan.

According to the government, the new factory is expected to produce 300 metric tonnes of cement daily, amounting to one million metric tonnes annually. Nyarsuk described the development as a “historic step” towards large scale industrial production in the country.

The State Cabinet directed the Ministry of Trade and Industry to ensure that GTC fulfils its corporate social responsibility obligations. These include constructing the Juba-Kajo Keji road, rehabilitating feeder roads within the county, and establishing both fixed and mobile health centres to serve nearby communities.

Nyarsuk also said the Ministry of Trade and Industry will collaborate with the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Mining at the national level to guarantee that the project meets required standards and is completed within schedule.

He added that the State Government remains open to both local and foreign investors and continues to promote a business-friendly environment across Central Equatoria to boost growth and employment.

Local residents have expressed optimism about the new investment. Modi Alex, a resident of Kangapo Two Payam, welcomed the decision but called for greater community participation and transparency.

“This project is good, but we want to be part of it. The local people must not be left out when our natural resources are being used,” he said.

Julius Malish, a youth from Wudu Town, praised the state authorities for initiating a tangible development project.

“Let this not remain talk in Juba. Young people like us should be included in the project. We need training and jobs in this factory,” he said.

Another resident, Chaplain Taban from Mere, said people expect the project to bring real benefits to the community.

“We want jobs, better roads, schools, health centres, markets, boreholes, and urban development that will improve our lives,” he said.

Kajo-Keji County, located along the border with Uganda, is known to have rich underground mineral deposits. However, years of insecurity and lack of modern technology have delayed the area’s industrial development.

If implemented, the cement and steel rebar project could mark a turning point for both Kajo-Keji County and South Sudan’s industrial growth.

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