Yei Health Official Demands Return of Garbage Truck, Accuses Officials Over Truck Disappearance

Fred Morgan September 11, 2026 2 min read

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(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – A senior public health official in Yei River County has appealed to the Central Equatoria State Government to intervene and facilitate the return of the town’s only garbage collection truck, which he claims is currently operating in Juba.

Juma Ismail, a public health official in Yei, told Access Radio that the truck, which was previously used for waste collection in Yei Town, was allegedly transferred to Juba City Council, leaving local authorities struggling to manage waste disposal. He said the absence of the vehicle has undermined efforts to maintain sanitation standards and keep public spaces clean.

“The truck is now in Juba. It was taken from Yei and exchanged for another tipper truck that is currently grounded because of engine problems,” Ismail alleged.

According to Ismail, the Payam administration has been forced to rely on hired commercial trucks to collect waste, a practice he says is costly and unsustainable. He urged the state government and Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony to investigate the matter and ensure the vehicle is returned to serve residents of Yei.

“We need the truck back because it is essential for waste management in Yei. Hiring trucks is expensive, and it is affecting our ability to keep the town clean. We are calling on the governor to intervene so that the truck can be returned to help the people of Yei,” he said.

The allegations were directed at former Yei River County Commissioner Dr Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa and Stephen Lomude, currently Deputy Mayor of Juba City Council, whom Ismail accused of involvement in the truck’s transfer.

Efforts to obtain comments from Dr Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa and Deputy Mayor Stephen Lomude were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

The dispute highlights growing concerns over waste management capacity in Yei Town, where local authorities say access to proper sanitation equipment remains critical for protecting public health and maintaining a clean urban environment.