Africa-Press – South-Sudan. A member of South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly has expressed frustration over the government’s continued neglect of the Juba–Lainya–Yei–Kaya highway, a crucial trade and transport route linking the capital with neighbouring Uganda.
Speaking during Tuesday’s ordinary parliamentary session, Dusman Joyce James, who represents Lainya County, said the road has deteriorated severely over the years, impeding the movement of people and goods between Juba and the southern border.
“My point of information is about the Juba–Lainya–Yei–Kaya Road, Right Honourable Speaker. The road I am mentioning is not in good condition,” Joyce said.
She criticised the Ministry of Roads and Bridges for failing to prioritise the maintenance of the highway despite its economic and historical importance.
“We don’t know why, every year, no one attends to this road. If you go from mile 55 to 59, you will see how bad it is,” she lamented.
Joyce urged the Minister of Roads and Bridges to visit the area and assess the situation firsthand, noting that previous appeals to both national and state authorities had gone unanswered.
“We went there several times but received no response. The state authorities say it’s a national road, so it’s not their responsibility. We need to know why this road continues to be ignored,” she said.
The legislator called on the assembly to summon the minister to explain why maintenance of the Juba–Yei–Kaya highway has been neglected for so long.
“I want the Minister to come here and tell us why he is not visiting that road. The food that feeds Juba comes from that direction,” she emphasised.
The Juba–Yei–Kaya highway is a vital trade and humanitarian corridor connecting South Sudan’s capital to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, years of neglect have left it in deplorable condition, frequently disrupting travel and commerce.
Observers warn that the continued deterioration of the road could further isolate border communities and undermine national efforts to improve infrastructure, boost trade, and support economic recovery.
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