(JUBA) – The Minister of Roads and Bridges in Central Equatoria State, Hon. Clement Maring Samuel, together with Hon. Michael Lopuke Lotyam, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, has submitted two reports on the proposed modification of roads surrounding Juba International Airport. The reports were presented on Monday following consultations with the national Ministry of Roads and Bridges and the Civil Aviation Authority.
According to officials, the first report outlines deliberations held at the Civil Aviation Authority office where technical teams discussed options for diverting traffic in areas directly affected by airport operations and expansion. The second report is based on a joint inspection carried out last Saturday.
The visit included the Governor of Central Equatoria State, Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, alongside senior representatives from the national Ministry of Roads and Bridges, to assess the sections of road earmarked for diversion.
The proposed diversions are seen as necessary to ensure the smooth operation of Juba International Airport while accommodating increased air traffic and planned infrastructure upgrades. Roads within the airport’s vicinity have long faced congestion challenges due to overlapping use by both airport and city traffic.
Coordination between state and national institutions is expected to play a critical role in securing funding and delivering the project. Officials also said further technical studies will be required before the diversions are implemented.
Juba International Airport is one of the busiest transport hubs in South Sudan, serving as the main gateway for business, humanitarian operations and international travel. Any road adjustments around the airport are expected to have significant economic and social implications, particularly for businesses and travellers relying on smooth access to the facility.
Although cost estimates were not disclosed, infrastructure projects of this scale typically require substantial investment. extensive diversion and realignment projects could run into several billion South Sudanese Pounds, representing several million US dollars, depending on design, materials, and construction timelines.