Forgotten Hai Dam Bridge: Yei Residents Urge Action Before Elections

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents of Hai Dam and Sopiri villages, located about three kilometres southwest of Yei town, are appealing to Yei River County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo to prioritise the construction of a long-damaged bridge that serves as the area’s only link to Yei town.

Community members say the bridge has remained in poor condition since the outbreak of the 2013 conflict, severely affecting movement, access to essential services, security and economic activities for more than a decade.

While residents welcomed the county government’s recent efforts to improve infrastructure, including the construction of the Wuluturu and Kanjoro bridges, they expressed concern that Hai Dam and Sopiri have been overlooked in development planning.

Lomoro John, a resident of Hai Dam, said schoolchildren and pregnant women face major challenges crossing the stream, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when culverts are washed away.

“Our area has been left behind for many years when it comes to road and bridge construction,” he said. “We want the government to begin work on this bridge before the elections.”

Betty Ajonye, another resident, said the poor state of the crossing has made it difficult for sick residents and expectant mothers to access healthcare services in Yei town.

“We continue to suffer because of this bridge,” Ajonye said. “Many pregnant women and patients struggle to reach health facilities, especially during the rainy season when the area becomes inaccessible.”

She called on county authorities to visit the area and assess the situation firsthand to identify solutions to the community’s longstanding infrastructure challenges.

Farmers have also raised concerns about the impact of the damaged bridge on local livelihoods. Alakaya Dedi, a farmer from Sopiri, said transporting agricultural produce to Yei town has become increasingly difficult due to the poor road network.

“This route connects thousands of people to Yei town and Otogo Payam,” Dedi explained. “Farmers cannot easily transport their produce using motorcycles or bicycles because the stream crossing is in a very poor condition.”

Dedi urged leaders to address basic community needs, including roads, bridges, schools, healthcare facilities and clean water, before the planned December 2026 general elections.

Another resident, Tumalu Joice, appealed to county authorities to respond to the concerns of people living in rural communities.

“There are many people living in Hai Dam and Sopiri,” she said. “We believe the commissioner is committed to development, and we want this bridge repaired so our children can go to school, women can access markets, and farmers can transport their produce.”

Residents argue that rehabilitating the bridge would not only improve access to education, healthcare, and markets, but also enhance security and connectivity for thousands of people living in the area.

Speaking previously to Access Radio, Richard Lugala Godo, Director of Physical Infrastructure in Yei River County, acknowledged that several bridges across the county require rehabilitation. However, he cited limited funding and a lack of technical equipment as major obstacles to implementation.

Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo has repeatedly pledged the county government’s commitment to restoring peace, stability, and service delivery. Despite these assurances, residents in both rural and urban parts of Yei River County say improved access to roads, healthcare, education, clean water, and security remains among their most pressing development priorities.