The meeting focused on identifying and removing barriers that hinder timely completion of critical road and bridge projects, and promoting national development through improved infrastructure, among others.

By Aguok Chok and Emanuel Mandella

The Vice President for economic cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel met with Hon. Simon Mijok Mijak, Minister of Roads and Bridges, to assess the progress of key infrastructure projects across South Sudan. The meeting focused on identifying and removing barriers that hinder timely completion of critical road and bridge projects, strengthening coordination among government agencies, and promoting national development through improved infrastructure.

A central topic of the discussion was the Paloch–Mathiang–Maiwut–Pagak Road Project, a major regional connectivity initiative financed by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The Vice President was briefed by Hon. Mijok Mijak on his recent interactions with Ethiopian counterparts, which were aimed at fast-tracking the implementation of the project.

While acknowledging the notable progress already achieved, Hon. Mijok Mijak highlighted several logistical and financial challenges that must be urgently addressed through collaborative efforts. “This project has the potential to transform regional trade and movement, but we must act swiftly and together to overcome existing hurdles,” the Minister stated.

Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel commended the joint efforts of South Sudan and Ethiopia, saying, “Partnerships of this nature are essential to building a connected, peaceful, and prosperous region.” He praised the cooperative spirit between the two nations and underscored the project’s potential to enhance bilateral ties and boost economic growth.

The Vice President went on to stress the broader strategic importance of road infrastructure in South Sudan’s national development. “Roads are not merely pathways – they are lifelines that create opportunities, drive investment, and bring our people together,” he said, explaining how reliable roads play a vital role in unlocking the country’s economic potential by improving access to markets, education, and healthcare, and by linking communities to neighbouring economies.

He further noted that infrastructure development remains a key priority for President Kiir administration.  “We remain on course in our mission to deliver meaningful development for the people of South Sudan – connecting regions, boosting trade, and building a more unified nation,” the Vice President affirmed.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to overcoming project obstacles through effective inter-agency collaboration, regional partnerships, and timely resource mobilization. Both leaders emphasized the importance of regular progress assessments and stakeholder engagement to ensure that projects are delivered on schedule and in line with national development goals.

The move to embark on the Paloch-Mathiang Maiwut–Pagak Road Project is a key stepping stone to opening infrastructure, in a country whose highways, byways and road infrastructure has been staggered by decades of conflict and instability.

With roads being the backbone of any nation’s infrastructure, sources say South Sudan could reap extensively from commerce, access to essential services, regional connectivity and ultimately, real economic progress if it develops its infrastructure and enhances security along the highways.

“With the protracted conflict, the road network is one of the most affected sectors in South Sudan. It is estimated that the total roadway length is approximately 90,200km, which includes 14,000 km of primary and secondary roads and 6,000km of tertiary roads,” said Lubang Stanley, a Public Policy Analyst, in a past commentary.

According to the expert, the country so far has only one international highway, the 192-kilometer stretch between Juba and Nimule on the Ugandan border, which is sealed or paved, while the other paved roads, including Juba-Bor highway and the Juba-Bar el Ghazal highway were under development. 

As the other national and interstate roads remain in bad condition and sometimes impassable, accidents have remained a significant challenge.

In 2018, while attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Salva Kiir made a landmark policy statement, that the government would allocate oil proceeds for road construction and rehabilitation.

The move by the Vice President for Economic Cluster Dr. Bol Mel and the Minister of Roads and Bridges to identify some of the key issues staggering progress of country’s infrastructure, and to look into the Paloch–Mathiang–Maiwut–Pagak Road Project, is a major move that could open the gates for more infrastructural projects.

“With the protracted conflict, the road network is one of the most affected sectors in South Sudan,” said Lubang Stanley, a Public Policy Analyst, in a past commentary.