Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The mayor of Yambio Town Municipality in Western Equatoria State on Tuesday launched a road rehabilitation and general cleaning campaign in Kuzee suburb to enhance security and ease access to markets and health facilities.
Speaking during the launch, Mayor John Singira said the initiative involves both the local government and residents of Yambio, who will jointly work to rehabilitate and open feeder roads linking different neighbourhoods to Yambio town.
He explained that the poor condition of the roads and overgrown bushes have created hiding places for criminals who rob and attack residents, especially at night.
“Thieves have been hiding in these areas, attacking people, including pregnant women who find it difficult to reach hospitals on time due to bad roads,” the mayor stated.
Singira said he issued an order for general cleaning across Yambio Municipality and urged all youth to participate in opening and maintaining roads to help reduce crime and ensure safe movement.
“This cleaning is not just about roads; it is about restoring peace and order, and anyone who fails to clean their surroundings will face municipal penalties,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Alex Philmon Baime, the youth leader in the Kuzee suburb, said the road connecting them to Yambio Central Prison and the main market has become impassable, making the area vulnerable to night robberies.
“We have decided, as a community, to clean and work on the road so that people can move safely, especially at night,” he said.
His deputy, Bullen Edward Kabunga, said insecurity has increased during the rainy season as criminals take advantage of the poor road network.
“Without good roads, people cannot move freely. Criminals hide in the dark and attack us at gunpoint,” he stated. “That’s why we came together to rehabilitate our roads.”
For her part, Celestina Michael, a resident of Hai Kuzee, expressed concern that poor roads have made it difficult for women to access markets and health centers.
“Pregnant women are suffering because motorbike riders fall on bad roads, and criminals attack women on their way to the market,” she lamented.
The community and local authorities have appealed to state authorities and partners to provide tools such as wheelbarrows, hoes, pangas, and other materials to support their road cleaning and rehabilitation efforts.
Efforts to reach the state roads and information ministries for comments were futile.
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