Land Management Drive Targets Illegal Settlements in Juba

(JUBA CITY) – Authorities in Central Equatoria State have begun allocating plots of land and marking road boundaries in Kapuri Hai Salam as part of a wider effort to stop illegal settlements and land grabbing around Juba.

The exercise aims to organise land use in the area and ensure that plots are given to people who hold legal ownership documents. It also includes the marking of road networks to improve planning and reduce disputes over land boundaries.

Officials say the programme is intended to reorganise and reduce congestion in Juba as the city continues to grow. Residents who have valid land documents have been urged to begin building on their plots to prevent illegal occupation by others.

The public has also been asked to follow the proper procedures when applying for land. Authorities say cooperation between residents, local leaders and security agencies will help ensure that land allocation is carried out smoothly and fairly.

The State Ministry of Housing, Land and Public Utilities said the exercise in Kapuri Hai Salam is only the beginning and that similar land allocation programmes will be carried out in other areas of Central Equatoria State. Officials said the initiative forms part of broader government efforts to improve public services and organise urban development.

The current exercise covers residential areas classified as third and fourth class zones in Kapuri Hai Salam. Authorities say the programme is expected to help improve the housing system in Juba and reduce cases of illegal occupation, uncontrolled settlement and land grabbing.

Residents in the area have largely welcomed the move, saying clearer boundaries and proper land allocation will help reduce conflicts and bring order to the rapidly expanding suburb.

Government officials, including the State Governor, Commissioner of Juba County and technical staff from relevant ministries, attended the launch of the land allocation and road demarcation exercise.