The Government of Western Equatoria State and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Monday launched the rehabilitation of a 309-kilometer road connecting the towns of Yambio and Mundri to improve road connectivity, strengthen food security and enhance civilian protection.
The launch ceremony was attended by Caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, UNMISS Yambio Field Office Head Njoki Kinyanjui, State Minister of Roads and Bridges James Abdallah Arona, government officials, UNMISS representatives and engineers.
Kinyanjui described the project as an important contribution to Western Equatoria State, saying improved road access would support mobility, peace, security and development.
“We look forward to continued support from the government, particularly in providing security, electricity and suitable locations for temporary operating bases for our engineers and force protection teams as they undertake the rehabilitation work,” she said.
For his part, Roads Minister James Abdallah Arona thanked UNMISS for supporting the road rehabilitation project, saying it would benefit the state government and communities along the Yambio–Mundri corridor.
“This project will improve connectivity between communities and facilitate the movement of people and goods, while supporting economic activities across Western Equatoria,” he said.
In his remarks, Caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa described the project as an important step towards improving infrastructure and promoting development in the state.
“Western Equatoria is known as a food basket, and improving this road network will strengthen its contribution to food security,” he said.
According to the governor, the road network was particularly important because of its contribution to agricultural production, trade and the transportation of goods and services.
He also linked improved road conditions to security, saying accessible roads would facilitate the movement of communities and security personnel while reducing opportunities for criminal activities.
Rimbasa further lauded UNMISS for its contributions to peace and stability in Western Equatoria, including civilian protection activities in Tambura, Yambio and other parts of the state.
He also acknowledged the mission’s support through Quick Impact Projects, human rights activities, civil affairs initiatives and community dialogue programmes aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence.
On behalf of President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the state government, Rimbasa expressed appreciation to UNMISS and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the road rehabilitation project.
The 309-kilometre Yambio–Mundri road is an important transport corridor in Western Equatoria State, connecting communities and supporting the movement of agricultural produce, traders and other road users.
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