(TORIT) – Drivers’ unions in Torit and Magwi Counties in Eastern Equatoria State are warning that worsening conditions along the Juba–Torit highway are driving up costs for transporters and traders. They cite insecurity, collapsed bridges and illegal fees as key challenges that are hurting both drivers and businesses that rely on the road.
Mr. Okumu Alex, Chairperson of the Magwi Drivers’ Union, said the highway has become unsafe and increasingly expensive to use, particularly during the rainy season when large sections are flooded. Vehicles are forced to use more fuel and power to navigate damaged sections, raising operating costs.
Aside from potholes, Okumu said drivers face security risks, including attacks by unidentified armed men. He cited a recent incident in which a union vehicle was fired at between Nesitu and the Jebel Malok checkpoint. He added that drivers are also forced to pay illegal fees at unauthorised roadblocks, with money collected without receipts.
Another major challenge is the impassability of the Amee route due to collapsed bridges, which has forced drivers to use the longer Magwi–Torit–Juba road. The detour significantly increases fuel and maintenance costs for drivers, but transport fares have not been adjusted for more than two years, squeezing incomes further.
Mr. Okumu appealed to national and state authorities, as well as development partners, to rehabilitate key roads and bridges. He said fixing the Amee Bridge in particular would reduce transport expenses and ease movement for businesses and passengers.
Some drivers have resorted to contributing money to patch damaged sections themselves. Mr. Kamis Joseph, a driver from Torit, said drivers are using their own resources to cover the worst spots, especially between Liria and Kor-Ingilis.
The poor state of the highway is also hurting traders. Mr. Ismail Waswa, a businessman in Torit, said he lost goods worth 26 million South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), equal to about 3,662 USD, when a lorry overturned due to bad road conditions.
Business Losses Reported on Juba–Torit Highway
| Type of Loss | Amount in SSP | Equivalent in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Goods lost in overturned lorry | 26,000,000 SSP | $3,662 |
“This is unbearable for traders. Poor roads keep destroying our goods and disrupting trade. Government must take road repair seriously to support businesses and livelihoods,” Waswa said.
Responding to the complaints, Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Roads and Bridges, Hon. Jildo Abala Remy, admitted the highway is in poor condition. He said heavy rains have worsened the damage and that an assessment has already been carried out from Nesitu to Torit. The rehabilitation will be handled by Neges Company, a private firm, once the contractor’s report is finalised.
On the issue of illegal collections, the Minister said there are only two official checkpoints in the state: one at the Torit–Magwi junction and another near Kor-Ingilis. He urged those manning roadblocks not to exaggerate charges imposed on drivers and traders.
The Juba–Torit highway is a key corridor linking Eastern Equatoria with the national capital, Juba. Drivers warn that if urgent repairs are not made, costs will continue to rise, affecting passengers, agricultural businesses and cross border trade.
Transport unions in both Torit and Magwi are calling for quick government action, saying the livelihoods of thousands depend on safe and affordable transport.
