VOICES OF THE PEOPLE: Yei Residents Call on Governor to Prioritize Service Delivery Ahead of County Tour

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents of Yei Town have urged the Governor of Central Equatoria State to prioritise security, infrastructure, and service delivery during his planned official visit to the county scheduled for this week.

According to county authorities, preparations have been completed to receive the governor as he embarks on a tour aimed at engaging local communities ahead of the December 2026 elections.

Many residents say the visit presents an opportunity for the state leadership to address long-standing challenges affecting communities across Yei County.

Esther Nyoka, a resident of Hai Tarawa, appealed for improved access to basic services, including clean drinking water, education, healthcare, and road infrastructure.

“We were informed that the Governor will visit Yei, and what we expect from his administration is access to clean water, schools, health centres, and better roads, both in the urban and rural areas of Yei County,” she said.

Hakim Moses, a youth from Hai Leben, called on the government to invest in youth empowerment programmes and economic opportunities.

“As young people, we want peace and security, as well as empowerment initiatives that support economic and social development. Young people make up the majority of the population. If the government wants to earn the support of the youth during the elections, it must address the issues affecting us at the grassroots level,” he stated.

Another resident, Samuel Lokudu, urged the governor to focus on restoring key public services, including electricity and higher education institutions, while also strengthening security.

“We want the YECO power plant to be operational again to support businesses and educational opportunities. We also call on the governor to ensure lasting peace and security throughout Yei County and to prioritise urban development programmes,” Lokudu said.

Edward Taban Charles, a resident of the Mission area, emphasised that the governor’s visit should result in practical solutions rather than promises.

“The Juba-Lainya-Yei-Morobo-Kaya road remains in poor condition and has not been tarmacked like other major roads in South Sudan. If the government wants to gain the support of the people of Yei, it should prioritise upgrading this road corridor,” he said.

Businesswoman Betty Jackline Alfred appealed for stronger measures to improve security, particularly along major roads connecting Yei to neighbouring areas.

“The roads outside the town are not safe. People are being abducted and taken into the bush for ransom, especially along the Yei-Kaya road. This practice must come to an end. We recently heard reports of a person being killed in the Zamba area near the town. Such human rights violations must be addressed,” she said.

During his swearing-in ceremony as Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil pledged to focus on key priorities, including peace and security stabilization, economic empowerment through agriculture, improved service delivery and promoting unity across the state’s six counties.

In several public engagements, Governor Adil has reiterated his commitment to addressing the concerns of local communities, saying his administration would work closely with national and local government institutions to improve the lives of citizens and respond to challenges at the grassroots level.