Photo Credit|Courtesy

The ongoing paving of Juba’s Gudele–Hai Referendum Road has sparked mixed reactions among South Sudanese, with many residents welcoming the long-awaited improvement while others question the project’s quality, drainage plans, and wider infrastructure priorities.

The reactions followed a post by Eye Radio showing images of the road works, highlighting a broader public conversation about infrastructure development, accountability, and the need for sustained investment in South Sudan’s roads.

For residents who have endured years of dust, potholes, and difficult movement along the route, the upgrade represents a major relief.

“The residents along this road have endured long periods of dust; at last they are proud and happy,” one commenter said.

Others welcomed the development but urged authorities and contractors to ensure proper standards.

“Good, but make sure the drainage holes aren’t forgotten,” another resident wrote.

Concerns over drainage were among the most common reactions, with several commenters warning that heavy rains could affect the road if proper water channels are not constructed.

“Roads without drainage aren’t roads because when it rains it floods the whole way,” another user commented.

The discussion also expanded beyond the Gudele–Hai Referendum route, with residents calling for similar investments on roads connecting other parts of Juba and the states.

While some commenters questioned the timing of the project ahead of the 2026 elections, others said any improvement to public infrastructure should be recognized as progress.