(JUBA) – South Sudan is on track to complete its first ever seismological observatory centre, marking a significant step in the country’s ability to monitor and respond to earthquake risks.
Over the weekend, the Minister of Mining, Martin Gama Abucha, and the Indian Ambassador to South Sudan, Anil Nautiyal, visited the construction site of the facility located in Rejaf Payam, a locality on the outskirts of the capital, Juba.
The seismological centre, which is being built with funding and technical support from the Government of India, is expected to be completed within a month, according to KAN Construction. The company’s project director, Engineer James Nyok Mallet, confirmed that construction work is progressing steadily and nearing its final phase.
Speaking after the inspection, Ambassador Nautiyal reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s development through technology and expertise. He said the Indian Embassy would continue working closely with South Sudanese authorities until the facility is fully operational and equipped.
Once completed, the centre will enable South Sudan to collect and analyse seismic data, giving the country its first capacity to detect and study earthquakes and underground vibrations in real time. The project is also expected to strengthen disaster preparedness and environmental monitoring across the country.
Seismology is the scientific study of earthquakes and the movement of elastic waves through the earth and other planetary bodies. Until now, South Sudan has relied on data from neighbouring countries or international institutions to monitor seismic activity.
The initiative is seen as a step forward in modernising South Sudan’s geological and environmental infrastructure. It also aligns with broader efforts by the Ministry of Mining to improve data collection and disaster risk reduction in the country.
According to officials, the project will provide critical information to support emergency planning, urban development and mining operations, especially in regions where the risk of seismic events is growing due to increased infrastructure activity and environmental change.
The Rejaf facility will be South Sudan’s first national-level centre for earthquake monitoring and research. Once operational, it will play a vital role in protecting lives, infrastructure and investment in a region where seismic risks are often underreported or poorly understood.
Officials hope the project will open the door for further cooperation in science and technology between South Sudan and international partners, especially in areas related to climate change, mining and natural disaster preparedness.