By Yiep Joseph
President Salva Kiir has stated that the government will prioritize agriculture in 2025, directing the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to rehabilitate and construct roads connecting Juba to agriculture-rich Western Equatoria state.
In his New Year’s address, Kiir reiterated government efforts to boost food production in the country.
“The Ministry of Roads and Bridges to rehabilitate and construct roads leading to Western Equatoria to enable farmers to access the market,” he said.
“In the year 2025, the government will prioritize agriculture to enhance our food security. I am therefore directing the Ministry of Agriculture to double efforts to support the farmers across the country to improve yield. The Ministry of Roads and Bridges to rehabilitate and construct roads leading to Western Equatoria to enable farmers to access the market,” he said.
Kiir expressed that the rehabilitation of the roads leading to Western Equatoria state would ensure that Juba and other neighbouring towns received food items produced within the country.
The President also directed the Army to provide security on the roads to ensure the safety of farmers and travelers in general.
“The ministry of defense to make sure all illegal checkpoints along the roads and rivers are removed and security and safety of the travelers is guaranteed,” he said.
Last year, citizens in Eastern Equatoria State voiced their disappointment after learning that the construction of the Juba-Nadapal highway had suddenly ceased due to a lack of funding.
In August 2020, construction crews began clearing trees along the route in preparation for full-scale construction, which was expected to commence after the completion of initial work, including bush clearing.
The 365-kilometer road passes through Torit, Kapoeta, and Nadapal at the border with Kenya, and the project was undertaken by WINNER’S Construction Company Limited, a South Sudanese Road construction company.
Also In 2022, the construction of the Yei-Juba and Yei-Kaya highways was officially commenced with bush clearance in Limbe Payam of Lainya County, but till now it has not yet been completed.
The construction of Juba Bahr el Ghazal roads is delayed due to a funding shortage.