The Rumbek municipality in Lakes State has begun rehabilitating feeder roads in Rumbek town following complaints from residents and business owners about hazardous conditions during the rainy season.
The project, launched Saturday, will be carried out by the Africa Resource Construction (ARC) company, with the municipal council providing fuel and logistical support.
Residents welcomed the initiative, citing persistent flooding that has made movement difficult.
“This is a wonderful idea because the town has been flooded for so long, making it hard to move from shop to shop,” said Benjamin Makuei, a local resident. “We appreciate the municipal council and the state government for this work.”
Amira, a businesswoman in Rumbek market, said the improvements will boost commerce and ease transportation.
“When the roads are fixed, it helps businesses and allows vehicles and motorcycles to move safely,” she said. She urged officials to extend repairs to residential areas like Malakia, Malualkodi and Akuac, where narrow, damaged roads pose risks to pedestrians and motorists.
Rumbek Town Mayor Akol Paul Manyang said the municipality partnered with ARC after negotiations, with the company providing labor while the government supplies fuel and incentives.
“We did not pay them, but we are offering motivation for the engineers and staff,” Manyang said. The initial phase targets 15 kilometers of key roads, including routes from the airport to the state assembly and sections of the Juba-Wau highway.
Civil society activist Daniel Laat Kon praised the project but urged oversight to ensure quality work.
“This is commendable, but the rehabilitation should extend beyond the market to residential areas,” he said. “We also call on ARC to properly supervise the construction to avoid substandard work.”