WES Approves SSP 61 Million for Suwe and Mirau Bridge Rehabilitation
State Minister of Roads and Bridges, Anna Tuna Richard, said the state will mobilize its own resources to fund the project, rather than waiting for external donors.
By Emmanuel Mandella
The Western Equatoria State Council of Ministers has approved SSP 61 million for the rehabilitation and construction of the Suwe and Mirau bridges, located along the strategic Juba-Yambio Road.
The resolution was passed during the weekly cabinet meeting held on Friday, chaired by the Acting Governor, Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa. The decision comes amid growing fears of a looming transportation crisis that could severely affect communities in the eastern parts of the state.
Anna Tuna Richard, the Acting Minister of Information and current Minister of Roads and Bridges, told reporters that the state would mobilize internal resources to fund the project rather than waiting for external donors.
“If these two bridges collapse, it will be a major burden on our people. Prices of essential goods will skyrocket, and our connection to Juba and other regions will be cut off,” she said.
“We cannot afford to wait. We are committed to raising the SSP 61 million needed to ensure construction starts soon.”
The urgency is underscored by previous infrastructure failures across the country. In 2023, the collapse of Kuyongu Bridge in neighboring Ibba County following heavy rains paralyzed movement for weeks. The incident led to soaring market prices and limited access to essential services, including healthcare and education. Similarly, severe flooding in Nagero County washed away two vital bridges linking the area to Tombura and Wau, disrupting humanitarian aid delivery to over 10,000 residents.
Local residents fear Suwe and Mirau bridges could face the same fate unless swift action is taken. Engineers have reportedly issued warnings about structural weaknesses caused by seasonal flooding and prolonged neglect.
The Juba-Yambio Road serves as a vital economic artery for the region, connecting the capital, Juba, with multiple counties across Western Equatoria. It facilitates the movement of goods such as fuel, food, medicine, and construction materials, and is critical for accessing markets and services.
“The construction of Suwe and Mirau bridges will enhance trade, reduce travel time, and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of services,” said Yoana Robert, a senior official at the State Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development.
“It will also boost agricultural markets in Yambio, Ibba, and Maridi Counties.”
According to the World Bank’s South Sudan Infrastructure Report (2022), the country loses more than 40% of its agricultural output annually due to poor road networks and collapsed infrastructure. The report emphasizes the need for urgent investment in bridges and feeder roads to reduce rural isolation and spur economic growth.
Minister Tuna acknowledged that while development partners have played a key role in past infrastructure efforts, the time has come for the state to take full ownership of its development agenda.
“We’ve relied on our partners for too long. But this time, the burden is ours to carry. We cannot delay any longer.”
Although no specific start date for construction was provided, a technical assessment of the bridge sites is reportedly underway.
For thousands who rely on the Juba-Yambio corridor, the Council’s announcement offers a glimmer of hope. Yet, its true impact will depend on timely execution, transparency, and sustained political will to see the project through.
