Plan underway to rebuild Juba’s Konyo-Konyo market into modern commercial hub
Plans are underway to transform part of Juba’s Konyo-Konyo Market into a modern commercial centre following a proposal presented to Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony by T Blackstone Investment Group.
The investment group presented a proposal to redevelop part of the market into a modern and well-planned commercial centre aimed at improving business operations and the environment for traders and customers.
Under the proposed development, approximately 800 shopping spaces will be constructed, alongside offices and other supporting facilities.
The proposed commercial centre is expected to provide improved infrastructure and essential amenities for traders and customers.
Konyo-Konyo is one of Juba’s major commercial centres and a key distribution point for goods in South Sudan.
However, the market has faced persistent challenges, including congestion, poor waste management, drainage problems and public hygiene concerns.
Large numbers of traders, customers, motorcycles, wheelbarrows and delivery vehicles operate within a relatively confined space, contributing to congestion and difficulties in maintaining the market environment.
The market has also experienced several fires over the years, causing significant losses to traders.
A major fire in December 2006 destroyed a large section of the market, while another fire in March 2012 caused major losses to traders.
More recently, a fire on December 19, 2024, destroyed about 56 shops and resulted in one confirmed death.
Another fire on February 26, 2026, damaged part of the market, including the Teki Market area, while a separate fire on April 28, 2026, destroyed several stalls. No deaths were reported in the April incident.
The proposed redevelopment comes amid longstanding discussions about improving the market’s infrastructure and managing its growing population of traders and customers.
In 2014, Juba City Council ordered traders to relocate to a proposed market site across the Nile in the Gumbo area. However, some traders resisted the move, citing concerns over the distance and security.
The latest proposal was discussed in a meeting attended by the Mayor of Juba City Council and the First Director General in the State Ministry of Housing.
The officials joined discussions on the proposed redevelopment and its potential contribution to transforming Konyo-Konyo Market into a more organized and modern commercial centre.
If implemented, the project could suggestively change the appearance and operation of one of Juba’s busiest markets, while addressing some of the longstanding infrastructure and safety challenges faced by traders and customers.
