By Theophilous Ochang

Lawmakers in the Eastern Equatoria State legislative assembly are calling for the urgent rehabilitation of the broken Lolere Bridge along the Torit-Juba Road. 

The vital bridge linking the Eastern Equatoria State to the capital Juba got broken last month when a lorry that was travelling from Juba lost control and knocked the bridge, breaking its guardrails.

Ochan John Bongomin, a member of parliament in the state assembly said although the bridge falls under the responsibility of the national government, there is a need for the state government to take urgent measure to repair the bridge the situation got worse with the expected heavy rainfall to come.

He said any inaction by the state government it will be costly to the citizens, Lokoya community in Torit west and the business community.

“It is time for the state ministry of road and bridges to exercise it responsibility urgently to save the situation even by making a temporary solution,” Ochan said.

“Once the rain and the stream fill up there will be no way travelers on vehicles, motor cycles and even on foot to cross from the other side be it from Juba to Torit or Torit to Juba.”  

However, the parliament has recommended the state Ministry of Transport, Road and Bridges to take urgent measures to repair the broken bridge before the heavy rain sets.  

Meanwhile Jildo Abala Remy, the State Minister of Road and Bridges said he was aware of the broken bridge and had convened the meeting with his technocrats to address the situation.

“The broken Lolere Bridge on Torit Juba Road is an urgent matter thank you for raising it honorable member. In fact, on May 14, 2025 the bridge got damaged and I got the information and immediately with my technocrats met to get a possibility of addressing the bridge.”

The minister said he directed the team make a small budget of USD 5,725.2 and presented to the governor for approval.

However, he said the governor told them the bridge belongs to the national Ministry of Road and Bridges and the state is cannot afford to raise that amount.

According to minister Abala, governor Lobong then suggested that the same request document should be address to the national Ministry of Road and Bridges.