Civil society activist Lorna Merekaje speaks on Eye Radio's Dawn Show. Nov. 14, 2024. (Photo: Awan Moses/Eye Radio).

Some civil society activists have criticized as “misplaced priority” a proposal by the Economic Cluster chaired by Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga for approving 402 million US dollars to construct Juba-Lobonok Road in Central Equatoria State.

They questioned the road’s economic viability and how it can greatly benefit the South Sudanese people.

On Wednesday, the Economic Cluster approved the proposed budget following a deliberation on a memo presented by Minister of Finance Marial Dongrin.

The infrastructure project is set to be funded through a loan from Shamrock Global Group.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Lily Albino who is the cluster’s spokesperson said the upgrade will enhance connectivity between Juba and Lobonok, improving transportation and facilitating economic activities in the region including agriculture.

The economic cluster gave preliminary approval for the loan proposal, agreeing that it can now be submitted to the Council of Ministers for further discussions and final approval.

Reacting to the decision, Lorna Merekaje – the head of South Sudan Democratic Engagement, Monitoring, and Observation Program – said she is disappointed with the decision.

She said citizens need to know the priority of the government in terms of roads, institutions, and health.

Lorna added the government should pay civil servants.

“Yesterday, they were talking about resumption of oil production and immediately I have seen information around that 402 million USD have been allocated for the road to Lobonok,” she said.

“What is the economic importance and economic viability of the road to Lobonok for the whole country, and public servants have not been paid?”

“To me as a citizen, I think that is ill-motivated, but all I see repeatedly from the current leaders of R-TGoNU, they are not talking about the people, they are talking about themselves.”

“Their motivation is self-centered, that must stop if we want to be a country that we fought for. What I would want the government to do is to give us priority.”

On his part, Edmund Yakani – the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization – said the government should reconsider the allocation of the 402 million US dollars.

He added the fund should be directed to connect producing areas to markets, enhancing South Sudan’s economic growth and sustainability.

Yakani identified key roads that should be prioritized for construction or upgrading, citing their potential to boost the economy.

These include; Juba-Nimule Road a key trade corridor linking South Sudan to Uganda, vital for imports, exports, and regional trade, Juba-Yei Road Juba-Mundri Yambio Road and Bor-Malakal Road.

According to him, the roads are crucial for accessing agricultural production areas, enhancing food security and trade.

Yakani highlighted the importance of using the loan to build income-generating infrastructure that supports South Sudan’s agricultural and trade sectors.

He noted that roads serving agricultural hubs and trade routes are essential for driving national revenue and improving livelihoods.

“I would like this opportunity to express my concern around the declared approved money for Juba-Lobonok Road.”

“It’s impressive, it’s encouraging, but in terms of prioritization per now, I would like to bring to the attention of our leadership in the country and specifically the infrastructure cluster in terms of certain roads are key priority roads for boosting the economy and for improving the economy area.”