Tonj North Commissioner Goes Off Road for Emergency Outreach

(TONJ NORTH) – The Acting Commissioner of Tonj North County in Warrap State was seen on 1 August 2025 using a motorbike to reach the rural area of Ruelbet to conduct a State of Emergency awareness campaign.

His choice of transport has revealed the increasingly difficult road conditions caused by ongoing heavy rains in the region.

Tonj North, like much of rural South Sudan, faces major challenges due to underdeveloped infrastructure. During the rainy season, many roads become impassable, making it nearly impossible for officials to reach certain villages.

In this case, the Commissioner opted for a motorbike, one of the few practical options in the muddy and flooded terrain.

Residents of Ruelbet and nearby areas have often raised concerns about their isolation, especially during emergencies. The poor road network disrupts not only administrative services but also delays healthcare delivery, reduces access to markets and complicates humanitarian responses.

The State of Emergency awareness campaign aims to inform communities about safety measures and government instructions related to recent flooding, displacement risks or other hazards.

The Commissioner’s hands on approach, despite the transportation challenges, has been praised locally as a necessary step to ensure that remote communities are not left behind.

Efforts to develop or upgrade roads in Warrap State have been underway for years, but they face significant constraints, particularly in terms of funding and logistics. According to local sources, most roads in the area remain seasonal and are quickly overwhelmed by rainfall.