(WAU) – Business owners in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State, are calling on the national government in Juba to urgently honour a compensation agreement following the demolition of 43 shops in 2021 to make way for the construction of the Clement Mboro Bridge.
The traders, whose shops were destroyed during the early stages of the China backed infrastructure project, say they have waited over four years without receiving the promised collective compensation package of 5 million US dollars, equivalent to approximately 23 billion South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), based on the current exchange rate of $1 = 4,600 SSP in July 2025.
Wol Charles, Chairperson of the State Chamber of Commerce, said the lack of compensation has had serious consequences on local livelihoods, noting that the project moved forward and was even inaugurated three months ago without resolving the traders’ claims.
“We supported the construction of the bridge and appreciate the development,” he said, “but our shops were demolished without compensation, and we were not even informed about the bridge opening. These shops were a source of income for dozens of families, and since their destruction, some traders have been forced to abandon business altogether.”
He also questioned the planning behind the demolition, saying, “In fact, the area where the shops were located was not directly affected by the bridge or road construction. We need the government to act immediately and pay the affected people.”
Among those impacted is Awath Hassen Achuil, who lost four shops during the demolition. He described the process as harsh and unfair.
“I had four shops that were knocked down. We were not even allowed to remove iron sheets or timber,” he said. “There was no clear information about compensation, and officials were very aggressive. I refused to dismantle anything because I believed the law would protect us. But five years later, nothing has been paid.”
He added that repeated efforts to follow up with the national ministries of roads and housing had produced no results, with officials citing the lack of funds as the reason for the delay.
The Clement Mboro Bridge project was launched to replace the ageing structure over the Jur River, with the support of the Government of China. While the bridge is now operational, traders argue that the human cost has been ignored.
State Minister for Roads and Bridges Julio Bensncio Mongo confirmed the traders’ grievances and acknowledged the delay, blaming it on national level bureaucracy and lack of disbursed funds.
“They submitted their complaints to us. Some asked for money, others for land. The matter was presented to the president and approved by the Council of Ministers, but the Ministry of Finance says there is no cash to pay,” Mongo explained.
He added that some affected traders had already been given land as compensation in Abdalla Tip Market, but fifteen others are still waiting for the promised financial compensation.
| Compensation Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Shops Demolished | 43 |
| Promised Compensation | $5 million (approx. 23 billion SSP) |
| Shops Compensated with Land | Some allocated in Abdalla Tip Market |
| Remaining Claimants | 15 traders awaiting cash compensation |
Mongo noted that the group had threatened legal action and visited his office recently.
“They told me they might go to court. I told them we are following up with the national government and doing our best,” he said.
