(JUBA CITY) – The Governor of Central Equatoria State, Lt Gen Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, and the National Minister of Roads and Bridges, Hon Simon Mijok Mijak, have completed a joint inspection of Juba’s key roads that has revealed the scale of investment required to modernise the city’s transport network.
The inspection carried out on 12 September 2025 focused on critical road links including Juba Bridge, Freedom Bridge, Mauna–Dar Salam Road near Nana Corner and Hai Referendum Road. The review forms part of a wider programme to address road damage, poor drainage, and traffic congestion that continue to disrupt business and daily movement in South Sudan’s capital.
According to officials, the assessment is the first stage of a larger national and state led initiative. The second phase is expected to focus on reconstruction and beautification of Juba’s urban road system, subject to available funding.
Eng John Khot Chol, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, said the assessment followed directives from Vice President Dr Benjamin Bol Mel, Chair of the Economic Cluster. He confirmed that encroachments were discovered near Juba Bridge and Freedom Bridge, where private structures have obstructed walkways and road reserves. He urged the public to cooperate by clearing space for infrastructure projects.
State Minister of Roads and Bridges Hon Clement Maring Samuel said improved road connections will reduce congestion on heavily used routes such as Ministries Road. He explained that once a technical report is submitted to the Vice President, projects will move to implementation depending on financing.
The Mayor of Juba City, H W Johnson Swaka Nishak, added that the review also seeks to identify alternative routes between central Juba and the western parts of the city. He noted that most residents in Gudele, Gurei, and Jebel Lemon depend on a single road, the Gudele Road, creating bottlenecks and slowing movement of goods and services.
Business groups in Juba have consistently raised concerns about the impact of poor road infrastructure on trade and logistics. Congestion delays supply chains, increases fuel costs, and reduces productivity, particularly for small and medium enterprises that depend on reliable road transport.
Juba Road Assessment Outcomes
| Road/Area Assessed | Business Impact | Key Issues | Planned Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juba Bridge | Gateway for goods entering Juba | Encroachment, structural pressure | Clear walkways, improve access |
| Freedom Bridge | Vital link for heavy transport | Encroachment, congestion | Traffic management, enforcement |
| Mauna–Dar Salam Road (Nana Corner) | Access route for markets | Potholes, poor drainage | Immediate repairs and drainage work |
| Hai Referendum Road | Serves businesses in residential zones | Accessibility problems | Reconstruction and widening |
| Gudele Road | Main route to western Juba trade areas | Overloaded single route | Develop alternative connections |
