By Yiep Joseph
Central Equatoria State (CES), which hosts the capital Juba, has launched an Engineering Corporation aimed at ensuring proper urban planning in the country.
According to a statement obtained from the Governor’s press unit, during the launch, Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani, Governor of Central Equatoria State, expressed that the body would oversee infrastructure projects and ensure public safety.
While Juba City remains one of the cities with poor infrastructure, South Sudan citizens have been calling on the home government to empower the Engineering Corporation to take charge.
Jadalla acknowledged the corporation’s role in regulating urban planning and construction in line with international, national, and local standards. He stressed the importance of a people-centred approach to address public concerns, foster trust, and ensure accountability.
“The corporation will oversee key projects, including roads, bridges, and flood control systems, ensuring they meet the highest quality and safety standards to protect citizens and drive economic growth,” Jadalla said.
The governor has called on engineers to exceed in their expertise and help society where needed. Jadalla reiterated his call to stakeholders, development partners, and the public to collaborate in enhancing infrastructure.
He urged the relevant institutions to ensure coordination in effective development, adding that infrastructural development requires joint efforts.
“Maintaining existing infrastructure is as crucial as new development. This corporation will work closely with the Ministry of Housing, Juba City Council, and the Ministry of Roads and Bridges,” he added.
On his part, David Morbe, State Minister for Housing, Lands, and Public Utilities, affirmed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with the corporation to improve service delivery.
He noted that a bill is under discussion within the State’s economic cluster to establish regulatory frameworks, including policies.
H.W. Johnson Swaka, the Mayor of Juba City Council, applauded the idea of establishing the corporation.
“It will help fix loopholes in the infrastructural development of the city and the state,” he said, urging the corporation to work honestly and objectively.
Boniface Wango Arkanjelo, Acting Chairperson of the Engineering Corporation, expressed gratitude to Governor Jadalla for his leadership.
He highlighted the corporation’s mission to address issues such as poor construction quality, substandard utility installations, and unsafe infrastructure.
“Our primary goal is to deliver high-quality engineering services that meet citizens’ needs. We have developed a comprehensive Draft Bill to serve as the corporation’s regulatory foundation,” said Wango.
The Central Equatoria State Engineering Corporation was established by Governor Jadalla and is intended to address the loopholes in infrastructural development across the state.cross the State.