Call for Urgent Action on Yei Roads

(OPINION / Taban Andrew John)

A Call for Action on the Wuluturu Stream and Infrastructure Development in Yei County, Central Equatoria State

As a concerned citizen of Central Equatoria State, I wish to make an urgent appeal regarding the worsening road conditions caused by the Wuluturu Stream in Yei River County.

The stream continues to cut off many residents from accessing essential services within Yei Town. The situation has reached a critical point, especially during the rainy season, when the roads become completely impassable.

As a result, communities are left stranded and unable to reach hospitals, schools and markets, services that are vital for their survival and development.

It is disheartening that despite continuous revenue collection by the county administration, including from Yei River County’s airstrip since the era of the thirty two states, as well as daily collections from hotels, markets and local businesses, there is little to show in terms of tangible development.

Citizens deserve to know how these funds are being used. Accountability must be exercised, because the absence of visible infrastructure projects raises serious concerns about transparency and leadership priorities.

The only notable development seen in recent months has been road maintenance works carried out by UNMISS. While this support is appreciated, it should not be the only visible improvement in a county that generates its own local revenue. Reliance on external actors highlights a clear gap in effective local governance and planning.

I therefore appeal to the Yei County Administration, through the newly reappointed Governor of Central Equatoria State, to take immediate and decisive action by appointing or empowering a capable and accountable administrative team that can deliver meaningful services to the people of Yei.

We need leadership that listens, that acts and that prioritises the needs of citizens. We need leadership that is responsive, transparent and focused on development rather than self interest.

Specifically, I call upon the State Government to prioritise the rehabilitation of key roads and culverts that link the state as a whole, and that connect Yei and Morobo to other strategic areas. These include:

+ The Juba-Lainya-Yei-Morobo-Kaya Road, a major lifeline for trade, humanitarian access and economic activity.

+ The Yei-Lasu Road, which links productive agricultural areas to Yei Town.

+ The Yei-Mugwo-Otogo Road, essential for farmers and traders transporting goods to markets.

+ The Yei-Kirikwa-Lujule Road, which supports community movement and service delivery to rural areas.

+ The Yei-Payawa-Goli Road, an important corridor for border communities and cross border trade.

We are not demanding tarmac roads. A well graded marram road would be sufficient to restore access and ease transportation for residents, traders and service providers. What we seek is a practical, affordable and sustainable solution to reconnect communities and revive local economic activities.

Yei County holds immense potential, with fertile land, hardworking citizens and a strategic location that could make it a regional hub for trade and development. However, without functional infrastructure and accountable leadership, this potential will remain untapped.

The time for promises is over. The time to act is now, for the wellbeing, unity and progress of the people of Yei and the entire Central Equatoria State.

Together, let us rebuild Central Equatoria, the Heartbeat of South Sudan.

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