A section of Juba-Lainya and Yei road. Photo: Curtesy

The Managing Director of Rhino Star Construction Company has called on the government to provide fuel and financial support for the maintenance of the Juba–Yei–Kaya Road, warning that the ongoing rainy season has caused severe damage.

Peter Atem described the road linking Juba to Yei as “a vital economic and security corridor,” noting that its poor condition is negatively affecting trade, movement, and access to essential services.

He highlighted that the road connects Central Equatoria counties, including Lainya, Yei, Morobo, and Juba, and plays a critical role in transporting food supplies from Yei and surrounding areas to the capital, helping to reduce reliance on imports from neighboring countries.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Wednesday morning, Atem said that maintaining the road would ease the movement of goods, improve security operations, and allow residents to access health services without relying on costly air transport, which many cannot afford.

“I need fuel. Fuel is the only way we can build this country,” Atem said.

“That’s why I am appealing to everyone to help me. I need money for fuel, staff, and food for the workers. The governor provided other support, but it is not enough. I am appealing to the Minister of Finance—when you hear this on the radio, please consider providing fuel for the roads. We need fuel from the Ministry of Finance. It is the responsibility of the government of South Sudan to support us so that together we can build this country. Let us protect our country not with guns, but through development.”

Atem further urged the Ministry of Finance to urgently support road maintenance efforts, particularly through the provision of fuel, which he described as “the biggest challenge facing local contractors on the ground.”

He also encouraged South Sudanese youth to engage in development initiatives rather than violence, stressing that “peace creates jobs and opportunities.”