The road is considered a strategic link between Juba and the greater Bahr el Ghazal region, with the potential to significantly improve trade, movement, and access to basic services for communities along the corridor
By Aguok Chok
The Senior Presidential Envoy for Special Programs, Adut Salva Kiir, has on Thursday re-launched the construction of the Juba-Bahr el Ghazal Road following a directive from President Salva Kiir, marking a renewed push to complete one of South Sudan’s most important infrastructure projects.
The re-launch ceremony took place at Kilo 113 between Terekeka and Awerial along the Juba–Bahr el-Ghazal highway. The road is considered a strategic link between Juba and the greater Bahr el Ghazal region, with the potential to significantly improve trade, movement, and access to basic services for communities along the corridor.
The project has been returned to its initial contractor, Shandong High-Speed Construction Company. The decision, according to officials, demonstrates the government’s determination to see the overdue project is completed.
The return of the contractor is expected to restore momentum and technical continuity to the road works.
Addressing the gathering, Adut Kiir emphasized that the re-launch aligns directly with the President’s development agenda.
She noted that “the relaunch reflects the President’s directive to fast-track development projects that improve livelihoods and national connectivity.”
The Senior Presidential Envoy for Special Programs said the Bahr el Ghazal Road is not just a construction project, but a lifeline for economic growth and social integration.
She further stressed that improved road infrastructure will reduce transport costs, enhance food security, and strengthen national unity by connecting states and communities that have long been isolated due to poor transport networks.
According to her, the President remains fully committed to ensuring that critical national projects are completed despite past challenges.
The presence of senior national and state leaders underscored the importance attached to the project.
Among those in attendance were the National Minister of Roads and Bridges, Peter Lam, who reiterated his ministry’s commitment to providing technical oversight and ensuring quality standards. The National Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Abdelbagi, also attended, highlighting the road’s importance for agricultural production and market access.
Central Equatoria State Governor, Emmanuel Adil, welcomed the relaunch and described the road as vital for peace, development, and cooperation between states.
Lakes State Governor, Maj. Gen. Madhang Majok, echoed similar sentiments, noting that improved connectivity would benefit both state economies and local communities.
Also present was the Undersecretary of Water Resources and Irrigation, Lam Tungwar, alongside other senior government officials, engineers, local leaders, and community representatives. Their attendance reflected broad government support and shared responsibility for the success of the project.
Residents living along the road corridor expressed hope that the relaunch would finally bring lasting progress after years of delays.
Many believe the completion of the Bahr el Ghazal Road will open up economic opportunities, improve access to health and education services, and strengthen links between South Sudan and neighboring countries.
As construction resumes, the government has called on all stakeholders to cooperate fully with the contractor to ensure smooth implementation. With renewed political backing and technical engagement, the relaunch of the Bahr el Ghazal Road signals a fresh chapter in South Sudan’s drive toward sustainable infrastructure development and national integration.