By William Madouk
South Sudan’s government on Saturday relaunched construction of the Juba–Bahr el Ghazal Road, a key transport corridor officials say is vital for trade, agriculture, and national connectivity, after the project stalled for several years.
The relaunch was officiated by the Senior Presidential Envoy, Adut Kiir, acting on the directive of President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The project has been returned to its original contractor, Shandong High Speed Construction Company, in a move the government says will accelerate completion.
The ceremony was held at Kilo 113 on the Terekeka–Awarial stretch of the highway, which links the capital Juba to the Sudan border and connects several states.
“I wish to urge the general public to exercise caution and patience as road constructions like this cause temporary inconvenience, but eventually, in the long run, they bring immense lasting benefits.” Adut Kiir said.
She added that the relaunch reflects the president’s instruction to fast-track development projects that directly affect people’s livelihoods.
“As we break ground today, we are reminded that development starts with deliberate actions like this, committing to building and enhancing connectivity to drive the necessary national agenda.”
The Juba–Bahr el Ghazal Road is considered an economic lifeline, expected to reduce travel time, lower transport costs and improve the movement of goods and people across the country.
The government, through the Office of the President, awarded the contract in 2019 to the Chinese firm Shandong High-Speed to construct the 392-kilometre highway linking Juba to the Greater Bahr el Ghazal region and the oil-producing Unity State.
Construction, however, stalled months after work began when heavy rains washed away sections of the road. The company later briefly halted activities around Terekeka, citing non-payment by the government.
Under the agreement, the government was to pay the contractor in crude oil, but the company at times, complained that the oil was not delivered, contributing to repeated stoppages.
Adut Kiir said the government is now prioritizing strategic economic and security roads, including the Juba–Nimule, Juba–Nadapal, and Juba–Mudri–Ami routes, along with internal roads in major towns.
“I urge all the relevant institutions, especially the security sector, to render all the necessary support during the implementation of this project to ensure timely completion,” he said, noting that past delays had slowed progress.
She thanked the Ministry of Roads and Bridges and Shandong High Speed Construction Company for their efforts, and praised China for its continued support of South Sudan’s infrastructure sector.
The event was attended by Roads and Bridges Minister Peter Lam, Agriculture Minister Hussein Abdelbagi, the governors of Central Equatoria and Lakes states, and local officials from Terekeka and Awarial counties.
Officials said the road, once completed, would boost regional integration, ease transportation and support economic growth, reinforcing President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s infrastructure development agenda.