(NIMULE, MAGWI COUNTY) – The Loa Development Committee in Eastern Equatoria has raised concerns over a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on behalf of the community regarding sand mining for the ongoing construction of South Sudan’s dry port in Nimule. The committee says the agreement was concluded without proper consultation with residents.
According to the committee, 204 truckloads of sand have already been taken from the Loa area for the project. Each truckload was reportedly sold at 200,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), which is about 43.5 US dollars at the official exchange rate of 4,600 SSP to the dollar.
| Sand Trips Taken | Price per Trip | Total Value (SSP) | Total Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 204 | 200,000 SSP | 40,800,000 SSP | 8,870 USD |
Residents say they are unclear about how these revenues have been managed and whether the community has directly benefited. The Loa Development Committee is therefore demanding clarification and transparency from both local leaders and the authorities overseeing the project.
The controversy has emerged from claims that individuals who signed the MOU did so without community approval. This has created confusion and mistrust among locals who fear their resources may be exploited without accountability or fair compensation.
Nimule Municipality Mayor Caesar Longa Fuli has called for unity and encouraged all parties to ensure that the use of natural resources contributes to peaceful development. He urged stakeholders to approach the matter with a focus on collective benefit.
Following rising tensions, Magwi County Commissioner Pole-pole Benjamin Olum adjourned a community meeting after disagreements surfaced. He scheduled further discussions for Wednesday, 27 August 2025, to harmonise the agreement and resolve disputes.
The Loa community has stressed that projects of this nature must be handled with full involvement of local residents. They argue that agreements concerning communal resources should not be finalised without proper consultation.
The dry port project in Nimule is being implemented by B’ Smart Company. Once completed, it is expected to serve as a major trade hub between South Sudan and neighbouring Uganda, easing the flow of goods and reducing congestion in Juba.
This dispute is similar to other issues of resource management in South Sudan, where communities often call for more transparency in dealings that directly affect their land, environment and livelihoods.
Mayor’s Office Press Unit, Nimule Municipality contributed to this report.