(JUBA CiTY) – Residents of Gudele, Hai-Referendum and Mia-Saba in Juba have issued a legal notice announcing their intention to sue the Government of South Sudan over poor road conditions. The notice, dated 26 August 2025, gives the authorities 14 days to act before legal proceedings are filed at the Supreme Court.
The petition names the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the Juba City Council as respondents. The residents accuse the government of neglecting both major and feeder roads, leaving them in what they describe as “gross disrepair.” They argue that this has cut off access to basic services, raised transport costs and pushed households deeper into poverty.
According to the petitioners, the failure to rehabilitate and maintain roads violates several constitutional rights, including the right to dignity, the right to life, the right to development and the right to a clean and healthy environment. They add that lack of infrastructure has negatively affected schools, hospitals, businesses and the general economy of Juba County.
The legal notice is being pursued by Counsels Mario M. Chol and colleagues from Reign Legal and Consultancy Firm on behalf of residents. They argue that the government has failed to fulfil its constitutional mandate of providing essential public services, including accessible and reliable infrastructure.
The residents highlight specific consequences of neglected roads. These include increased transport fares, frequent vehicle breakdowns, loss of access to health services, restricted access to schools during rainy seasons and disruption of trade and agriculture in the affected areas.
In their petition, the residents are seeking several remedies from the Supreme Court. They demand a declaration that the government’s failure to maintain the roads is unconstitutional, an order compelling the ministries and Juba City Council to rehabilitate the roads, and temporary suspension of taxes for businesses in the affected areas for one year. They argue that exempting local businesses from taxation would allow them to save and reinvest in local rehabilitation.
The petitioners also demand compensation for economic losses, vehicle damages, road accidents and other hardships suffered due to government negligence. They stress that their move is in line with statutory law and constitutional rights, and they reserve the right to pursue further actions if the government fails to respond.
Key Issues Raised in the Petition
| Issue | Impact on Residents |
|---|---|
| Poor Road Conditions | Inaccessibility, unsafe transport, increased costs |
| Lack of Road Maintenance | Vehicle damage, frequent accidents |
| Limited Access to Services | Difficulty reaching schools, health centres, markets |
| Economic Impact | Disrupted trade and agriculture, increased poverty |
| Demand for Relief | Rehabilitation, suspension of taxes, compensation |
