By Emmanuel Mandella

Western Equatoria State Minister for Roads, Transport, and Bridges, Anna Tuna Richard, is appealing to the national government to resume construction of the stalled highway project in the state.

Tuna said the project is vital, since road serves as link to the state and region’s economies, especially considering Western Equatoria as a bread basked of the country.

Speaking to The City Review on the project, Minister Anna Tuna expressed deep concern over the abrupt suspension of the highway project, which began nearly three years ago with bush clearance and preliminary works before stalling due to financial constraints linked to the ongoing conflict in Sudan and disrupted oil revenues.

“We thank His Excellency President Salva Kiir for initiating this critical project and deploying contractors to begin work,” said Hon. Richard. “But to our dismay, the equipment was withdrawn and taken back to Juba, leaving behind a toll of destruction on mango trees, teak, lemon groves, and homesteads. And, no compensation was made to the affected communities.”

She disclosed that local contractors who were subcontracted for the initial works have not been paid, causing more frustrations to the affected workers and local communities.

“Our appeal is to the national government and specifically to the Vice President for Economic Cluster (Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel) and the former managing director of Save the Nation. Let them help bring this project back to life,” the minister urged.

Looking at Western Equatoria State as food basket that had been left isolated, Minister Anna Tuna Richard underscored that the stalled highway could boost food security in most parts of the country.

“We have food rotting here because farmers can’t access markets, and Western Equatoria can feed the whole of South Sudan. But without roads, we remain isolated. Our people cultivate not just for home consumption but for trade,” she said.

However, she contrasted the organic produce of Western Equatoria with the chemically-generated imported produce from neighboring countries, arguing that revitalizing transport infrastructure could enable the state to export clean, organic food and significantly boost national revenue.

“If this road is completed, it won’t only benefit Western Equatoria but also link Greater Bahr el Ghazal, parts of Upper Nile, and even reach Wau and beyond. Goods will flow, revenue will grow, and lives will improve.”

The minister also advocated for expansion of the airstrip in the state, highlighting the urgent need to expand the existing air transport infrastructure.