A South Sudanese lawmaker is renewing calls for the renovation of the deteriorating Juba–Yei highway, citing worsening road conditions that continue to hinder travel and economic activity in Central Equatoria state.
Paul Yoane Bonju, a member of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly representing Yei River County, said Wednesday that despite government promises and initial work on the road, both the Juba–Yei and Morobo highways remain in poor condition.
“In his directive, the president prioritized road connectivity across South Sudan, including the Juba–Yei–Kaya highway,” Bonju said during a parliamentary session. “But today, that road is on the verge of becoming impassable, especially after recent heavy rains.”
The road is part of South Sudan’s “oil-for-roads” program, an initiative launched following President Salva Kiir’s 2018 visit to China. Under the deal, South Sudan agreed to pay Chinese construction companies in crude oil for infrastructure development.
Bonju said the African Resource Corporation (ARC) was contracted to work on the Yei road, and bush clearance was completed between Juba and Loka—approximately 68 miles—and between Yei and Kaya for another 12 miles. However, he said, construction has since stalled.
“If nothing is done, the Juba–Yei road will soon be completely inaccessible,” he warned, urging the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to intervene. “This road is vital not just for travelers but also for businesspeople who rely on it for trade.”
The African Resource Corporation (ARC), a road construction firm, is owned and managed by Benjamin Bol Mel. Mel is also the country’s Vice President for the Economic Cluster.
Lawmaker Bonju also appealed to Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba to facilitate a meeting with Adut Kiir Mayardit, the newly appointed special envoy of the president. However, Kumba said arranging such meetings falls outside her responsibilities and emphasized that other government institutions are tasked with infrastructure matters.
Bonju noted that Yei played a significant role in South Sudan’s liberation struggle and served as a strategic entry point for the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) into Juba in 2005.