Roads Minister urges investors to fund critical infrastructure projects

The Minister of Roads and Bridges, Peter Lam Both, has called on investors and other influential people to support infrastructure development in South Sudan.

Speaking to entrepreneurs in Juba yesterday, Minister Both raised concern over the poor condition of the Juba-Nimule Road, a key trade route linking South Sudan with Uganda.

He said the road requires urgent attention because it serves as a major lifeline for the country.

Minister Both said South Sudan needs about 12,600 kilometres of roads, but only around 500 to 600 kilometres are currently tarmacked.

“An assessment was made; we know that we need about 12,600 kilometres of roads in South Sudan to be constructed. And within this, only about 600 or 500 are tarmacked,” he said.

“…I am appealing to all of you who have the muscles to help us construct these roads and find the financing for them. Because we have key roads that we are working on currently,” he said.

The minister said the government is also seeking funding for other major roads linking South Sudan to neighbouring countries.

He announced plans to meet his Kenyan counterpart in Nairobi this week to discuss the construction of the Ndapal-Juba Road.

“We are also working on the Ndapal-Juba Road, which is another key road between South Sudan and Kenya. And tomorrow I’ll be in Nairobi, we’ll be discussing with my colleague there how this can happen,” he said.

“We are also working on Pagak-Paloch Road, in linking South Sudan with Ethiopia especially linking Ethiopia with the oil operations areas in Upper Nile states and so many other plans that we have. But what is important is that without roads, without railway, without water transport, without airports, what we are discussing today is a pipe dream,” he added.

Minister Both said the government is also working on the Pagak-Paloch Road to improve connectivity between South Sudan, Ethiopia and oil-producing areas in Upper Nile State.

Road conditions across South Sudan remain poor, with many major routes becoming difficult to use during the rainy season.

The minister says increased investment in roads and other transport infrastructure is essential to support trade and economic development in the country.