By Alan Clement
Armed assailants have set an excavator ablaze at Kendila Boma bridge construction site in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State.
A reliable source from Morobo County, speaking condition of anonymity, confirmed to No.1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, that the incident took place on Thursday, last week.
“A heavy machinery was set ablaze by armed actors believed to be operating in the area, where insecurity has disrupted government projects for months,” the official said.
The excavator had been left at the site after construction work on Kendila Boma bridge was suspended in May due to escalating clashes that forced engineers and workers to flee for safety.
“Since then, the site has remained deserted and unguarded, leaving machinery and materials exposed to potential damage or theft,” added the official.
The destruction comes about fortnights after an attack on Morobo County Hospital, further fueling concerns about the safety of ongoing development efforts in conflict-affected areas of Central Equatoria State.
Local residents and community leaders have appealed for increased security and protection of infrastructural projects vital to mobility, healthcare, and economic recovery.
The situation remains tense as the county awaits a full briefing from local leadership.
Acknowledging the incident, Morobo county commissioner, Charles Data Bullen promised to provide details after visiting the scene.
Meanwhile, no group has claimed responsibility for the burning of the excavator.