(JUBA CITY) – Senior officials say a new set of national road projects across Central Equatoria State is expected to begin early next year, with government agencies preparing to open important links that could boost trade, transport and investment across the region.
Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony met the national minister of roads and bridges, Peter Lam Both, on 4 December 2025 in Juba, where they discussed the rollout of key infrastructure projects that will shape business activity in 2026.
The priority roads include the Juba Yei Kaya route, the Yei Tore Maridi network and the Juba Lobonok road. These roads are central to trade movement between Juba and the farming counties of Yei, Morobo and Lainya, and they also link South Sudan with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Officials said the aim is to ease access to markets and support the movement of goods and people, especially in areas where agriculture and cross border trade are strong drivers of local incomes. Better roads are expected to improve supply chains, reduce transport costs and support a more stable business environment.
Both leaders said they want to speed up the projects, noting that improved roads will support essential services and help stimulate economic growth in Central Equatoria. They also pointed to the wider role of transport corridors in strengthening regional trade.
Minister Peter Lam Both wrote on his Facebook page that his meeting with the governor focused on preparing national road works for the coming year, with the goal of improving market access for traders and communities in Central Equatoria and beyond.
Local communities in Yei, Lainya and Morobo counties have for years urged both the national and state governments to give priority to upgrading the road network. Many residents see the Juba Lainya Yei Morobo Kaya road as vital to the economic future of the greater Yei region.
However, the government has not yet shared detailed information on the method of construction or the exact schedule for the start of works.
The Juba Lainya Yei Morobo Kaya road remains one of the most important routes in the south of the country. It served as a key supply line during the liberation struggle and continues to connect South Sudan with Uganda and the DR Congo, making it a central link for trade, transport and humanitarian access.
| Planned Road Projects in Central Equatoria | Expected Benefit |
|---|---|
| Juba Yei Kaya | Improved access to cross border trade and local markets |
| Yei Tore Maridi network | Better transport options for farming communities |
| Juba Lobonok | Easier movement of goods and people into Juba |
The new road projects, once launched, are expected to have a direct impact on traders, transport operators, farmers, small businesses and investment flows across Central Equatoria.
State Pushes Forward with Strategic Road Investments
| Key Issue | Summary |
|---|---|
| Main Announcement | Construction of major Central Equatoria road projects expected to begin in 2026. |
| Roads Planned | Juba Yei Kaya, Yei Tore Maridi network, Juba Lobonok. |
| Purpose of Projects | Improve market access, support trade, ease movement of goods and people. |
| Officials Involved | Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony and Minister of Roads and Bridges Peter Lam Both. |
| Meeting Date | 4 December 2025 in Juba. |
| Expected Economic Impact | Lower transport costs, boost supply chains, strengthen regional trade. |
| Community Expectations | Residents of Yei, Lainya and Morobo want the road prioritised as a key regional development asset. |
| Missing Details | No timetable or construction method shared yet. |
| Regional Importance | Juba Lainya Yei Morobo Kaya road links South Sudan to Uganda and the DR Congo. |
| Long Term Business Benefit | Improved logistics, better access for farmers, increased investor confidence. |
