Central Equatoria State Minister of Roads and Bridges Latio Paul Abbas, together with the Mayor of Juba City Council and a team of state engineers, on Wednesday inspected the Presidential Special Programme-funded Hai Referendum Road project in Juba to assess progress and ensure the construction meets approved standards and timelines.

Representing Governor Emmanuel Adil, Latio said the inspection was intended to assess the implementation of the project, which is expected to improve road connectivity within the capital.

Speaking to Eye Radio, he said the first phase of the project stretches from Lou-Referendum to Airport Road, while the second phase will extend from Lou-Jebel Lodge to Freedom Bridge.

“This is phase one beginning from Lou-Referendum to the Airport Road. After its completion, we can also start from Lou-Jebel Lodge towards Freedom Bridge.

“The project is funded under the Presidential Special Programme of H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit through the office of Hon. Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit, the Presidential Envoy, in collaboration with the state government and the City Council,” Latio said.

He appealed to residents and business owners whose properties are located along the road corridor to cooperate with the government to facilitate the smooth implementation of the project.

The Mayor of Juba City Council urged residents to understand that the road reserve had existed before some structures were built, noting that development sometimes requires difficult adjustments.

“Citizens should cooperate and understand that initially the road had a plan, but because it stalled for quite a long period, some people may have encroached on it.

“If this affects you, know that you are not being targeted. That is development, and it comes with a certain price that people have to pay. But with the current trajectory, we believe we are going to see better roads within Juba,” the Mayor said.

The Mayor said the 5.6-kilometre road is expected to ease transportation in western parts of Juba.

Latio added that the inspection also sought to supervise the work of contractors and ensure the project complies with the agreed engineering standards and construction schedule.

He said the second phase of the programme will focus on tarmacking additional internal roads across Juba.