By Bosco Bush
First Deputy Speaker of National Legislative Assembly Hon. Oyet Nathaniel has criticized the Economic Cluster’s approval of a $402 million loan to construct Juba-Lobonok Road.
On Wednesday, State-own broadcaster, SSBC reported that the multimillion-dollar mega project was approved following a meeting chaired by Vice President, Dr. James Wani Igga who is the Chair of the Economic Cluster.
The $402 million would be used for upgrading an approximately 150-kilometer Juba-Lobonok Road. This decision followed a memo presented by Minister of Finance, Dr. Marial Dongrin.
This infrastructure project is set to be funded through a loan from Shamrock Global Group. The upgrade aims to enhance connectivity between Juba and Lobonok, improving transportation and facilitating economic activities in the area.
However, the project drew criticism from various sectors, First Deputy Speaker, Oyet Nathaniel, in a statement, on his Facebook criticised the multimillion-dollar project pointing out that, the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year didn’t allot any amount for road infrastructure projects across the nation due to previous Grand Mismanagement.
“Hope the Economic Cluster is aware of the technicalities in the FY 2024/2025 Budget. Roads Infrastructure was allocated Zero (0) Capital due to Grand Mismanagement of the existing Roads Construction Projects,” he said.
The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year budget entails priorities for agriculture, salaries, peace implementation, elections, humanitarian assistance, grants/debts, and other critical issues.
Oyet stressed that the budget is now an Act (Appropriation Act), and cannot be changed except through a Supplementary Budget.
Moreover, he mentioned that all loans shall be Scrutinized and approved by the Parliament considering its terms and conditions, priority and prudence.
The law permits Parliament to approve any multimillion mega projects of the government before its implementation. This, however, seems contrary to the Juba-Lobonok Road construction project.
“There should be no shortcut. The Ministry of Finance is aware of such standing constitutional procedure,” Oyet stressed.
While it is important to connect all rural areas with good roads and better services, he said, the cost and means of doing such should be realistic.
The Deputy Speaker gave an account of the “193-kilometer Juba-Nimule Road that cost only USD 225 million – compared to the USD 402 million proposed 100-kilometer Juba-Lobonok Road,” adding, that it weighs a “huge difference.”
Oyet, emphasizes that the Economic Cluster should prioritize the repair of the Juba-Nimule Road, which is the economic lifeline of the country.
Presidential directives/priorities
President Salva Kiir in his New Year message 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 states.
“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.