New Market Construction Begins in Juba County

(JUBA COUNTY) – Central Equatoria State Governor, Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, has officially launched the construction of Gumbo Village Market in Rajaf Payam, describing it as a key project to support trade, create jobs and improve the local economy of Juba and its surrounding areas.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Governor Mujung said the new market represents “a shared aspiration for a better future” and a symbol of coordinated development between the state government, national authorities and development partners.

He said Juba is expanding faster than ever before, and with the city’s rapid growth comes increased demand for better infrastructure to support trade, food distribution and business activities:

“This modern market is a strategic response to that growth,” Mujung said. “It will ensure that development keeps pace with the needs of our people.”

The Governor emphasised that markets play a vital role in community life, not only as centres for buying and selling but also as drivers of livelihoods and social development.

“Markets are the heartbeat of economic life,” he said. “They create jobs, empower women and youth, strengthen food systems, and promote wellbeing in communities.”

Mujung said the Gumbo Village Market will offer traders and buyers a clean, safe and organised environment, helping to reduce informal roadside trading and traffic congestion. He added that the project will promote structured urban planning and sustainable economic growth.

He praised the State Ministry of Trade and Industry and all partners who supported the initiative, saying their commitment reflects a shared belief that inclusive growth and modern infrastructure are essential for lasting development.

The Governor also expressed gratitude to development partners including the United States, European Union, World Bank, FAO, African Development Bank and UNDP for their continued assistance in rebuilding the economy and supporting local entrepreneurship.

“We welcome your investment and technical support not only here in Gumbo but across Central Equatoria, where many communities still lack decent market facilities,” he said.

Governor Mujung noted that the construction of the market is part of a wider plan to improve urban services in Central Equatoria, including better housing, education, health facilities and environmental protection.

He declared the project officially launched, describing it as “the beginning of prosperity, dignity, and organised economic life in Rajaf Payam.”