(CENTRAL EQUATORIA STATE, YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Authorities in Yei River County have launched construction of the Wuluturu bridge, a project expected to restore access to essential services and support local economic activity after nearly a decade of disruption for surrounding communities.
The construction was officially launched on Monday morning, marking a key step towards reconnecting Wuluturu and nearby areas with Yei town. Residents say the collapse of the previous bridge almost ten years ago cut them off from health facilities, schools, markets and other basic services, with negative effects on livelihoods and daily movement.
Speaking at the site, the County Executive Director, Hillary Konga, said the bridge is expected to be completed within three months. He said the total cost of the project is SSP 109,000,000, which is equivalent to about $15,352 at the current market rate, based on an exchange rate of $1 to SSP 7,100.
Konga said the project is fully financed by the county government using revenue collected from local taxes. He added that implementation and supervision will be handled by the county department responsible for housing, land, roads and bridges, reflecting an effort to use local capacity and resources.
He said the aim of the project is to return basic services to the people using funds raised from the community itself. Konga noted that it is the responsibility of government to invest in roads and bridges in order to improve access, support trade and ease daily life for residents.
Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme said the launch of the bridge construction shows that long standing concerns raised by residents have been acknowledged and acted upon. He thanked the people of Wuluturu and local leaders for their patience and resilience during years of isolation.
The commissioner said the bridge will improve movement, boost local production and enhance security in Wuluturu and neighbouring areas. He said once completed, it will make it easier and safer for school children, pregnant women, farmers and traders to cross the stream. He added that despite the wider economic challenges facing South Sudan, the county government remains committed to service delivery.
Local resident Alison Ladu welcomed the start of construction and thanked the county authorities for responding to community concerns. He said the damaged bridge had created serious difficulties, especially during the rainy season, and that lives had been lost over the years due to unsafe crossings.
Ladu said previous county administrations failed to repair the bridge during earlier periods of leadership. He praised the current administration for prioritising the project and urged authorities to ensure the work is completed on time and to an acceptable standard.
He added that quality construction is essential because rising water levels often damage weak structures. He said successful completion of the bridge would help restore public confidence in government funded projects at the local level.
County officials said several other bridges in Yei River County are still awaiting permanent construction. These include Hai Dam bridge, Hai Mission bridge and New Site bridge along the main road leading towards the residence of President Salva Kiir Mayardit in Yei town, highlighting continued infrastructure needs in the area.
Wuluturu bridge project overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Wuluturu area, Yei River County |
| Project cost | SSP 109,000,000 |
| Cost in US Dollars | About $15,352 |
| Funding source | Local tax collections |
| Expected completion | Three months |
| Implementing body | County department of roads and bridges |