(TONJ, WARRAP STATE) – A former state minister has warned that the Tonj Bridge, a major transport link for the Greater Bahr el Ghazal region, is close to failing due to age and lack of maintenance. If the bridge collapses, movement of goods and passengers between Tonj, Wau, Aweil, Juba and neighbouring areas could be severely disrupted.
James Ayiek Bath, who previously served as Warrap State Minister of Information, said the bridge has weakened significantly after more than five decades of use. The bridge was constructed in 1974 and was originally designed to support up to 150 metric tons. However, Ayiek said the structure has deteriorated to a dangerous level.
He explained that during his recent visit to Tonj, he inspected the bridge and found extensive structural damage. Several pavement sections have broken, and many of the iron support bars have rusted or snapped. He said the bridge is no longer strong enough to safely carry heavy trucks that supply markets and communities across the region.
Ayiek said the bridge is a key economic route that connects goods and transport between Tonj, Wau, Aweil, Unity State and the Abyei Administrative Area. It also serves movement towards Rumbek, Yirol and Juba, making it one of the busiest road corridors in the region.
He warned that if the bridge fails, trade would slow down, travel would be restricted, and essential supplies including food, fuel and medicines would face delays or become more expensive. Local markets could experience shortages and price increases for basic commodities.
Ayiek has called on both the Warrap State government and the national government to act quickly to repair the bridge. He said preventive work would cost less than reconstruction after a collapse, and that a collapse would also risk loss of lives and complete disruption of transport in the region.
Local traders and residents have also raised concerns, saying that the bridge is currently one of the only reliable routes for transporting goods. They fear that heavy vehicles passing over the weakened bridge daily could speed up its failure.
Officials have not yet announced whether a technical inspection or rehabilitation plan will begin soon.
Warning Issued Over Ageing Tonj Bridge
| Area Affected | Likely Outcome | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Routes | Major disruption if bridge collapses | Supplies from Wau, Aweil and Juba depend on this link |
| Transport Costs | Likely to rise | If goods must be rerouted by longer roads |
| Local Markets | Possible price increases | Especially food, fuel and construction materials |
| Community Connectivity | Risk of isolation | Many villages depend on road access through Tonj |
