A local chief in Kabo South, west of Juba, has appealed to the government to improve road infrastructure and provide transport services, saying the lack of access has contributed to the deaths of pregnant women in the area.

Local Chief Emmanuel Joseph Machar said residents have lived for more than 35 years without a vehicle to serve the community or a reliable road connecting them to essential services, including healthcare facilities.

He said the situation has created serious risks for pregnant women, who often struggle to reach hospitals during emergencies.

Chief Joseph said some women in labor are carried in wheelbarrows to the nearest tarmac road while communities search for available transport to take them to health facilities.

“Our community in Kapo has no vehicle to serve the people. For more than 35 years, we have lived without a vehicle or even a proper road. One of our biggest challenges is transporting pregnant women.

“Many times, when a woman goes into labor, there is no vehicle to take her to the hospital. We carry them in wheelbarrows until we reach the tarmac road, hoping to find transport,” he added.

According to the chief, five pregnant women have died this year while being transported to hospital after going into labor, before receiving medical attention.

He said some of the deaths could have been prevented if emergency transport had been available to provide timely access to treatment, including Caesarean section deliveries.

Chief Joseph urged the government to prioritize road construction and provide vehicles for remote communities, saying improved access to healthcare could save the lives of mothers and newborns.