By Otto Abut | Tuesday, Sept. 23. 2025
Drivers’ unions in Torit and Magwi, Eastern Equatoria State, are raising serious concerns over the worsening condition of the Juba–Torit highway, citing poor infrastructure, insecurity, and the rise of illegal fees as major challenges impacting transport and trade in the region.
In an interview with Catholic Radio Network, Mr. Okumu Alex, Chairperson of the Magwi Drivers’ Union, said the road has become increasingly unsafe and expensive to use, particularly during the rainy season.
“When it rains, most of the road becomes flooded. Vehicles are forced to move with a lot of force just to get through,” said Mr. Okumu. “Aside from the potholes, there’s also growing insecurity on the roads.”
He cited a recent incident in which a union vehicle was shot at by unidentified armed men between Nesitu and the Jebel Malok checkpoint, underscoring the ongoing risk drivers face.
Mr. Okumu also raised alarms over the issue of illegal tax collection, where individuals demand money from drivers without issuing receipts.
“Besides insecurity and road damage, we face the problem of illegal taxes. These are not government checkpoints, yet people are collecting money from drivers without accountability,” he said.
Another major concern is the impassability of the Amee route due to collapsed bridges, forcing drivers to use the longer Magwi–Torit–Juba route, which significantly increases fuel and maintenance costs. Despite the burden, transport fares have remained unchanged for the past two years, further squeezing drivers’ incomes.
He appealed to the national and state governments, as well as development partners, to urgently rehabilitate critical roads and bridges, particularly the Amee Bridge, which he described as “vital for easing movement and reducing transport expenses.”
“This is our cry on behalf of all drivers,” Mr. Okumu said.
Kamis Joseph, a frequent driver from Torit, said drivers are now using their own money to fix the worst sections of the road.
“The road is going back to its worst state. We’ve been contributing money to cover damaged parts, especially between Liria and Kor-Ingilis,” Kamis said.
Traders are also feeling the impact. Ismail Waswa, a businessman in Torit, said he lost over 26 million South Sudanese Pounds after a lorry carrying his goods overturned along the highway due to the poor road conditions.
“It’s an unbearable situation for business. Poor roads continue to affect traders and disrupt commerce,” he said, urging the government to prioritize road repairs to support economic growth and protect livelihoods.
Responding to the growing concerns, Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Roads and Bridges, Hon. Jildo Abala Remy, acknowledged the poor state of the Torit–Juba road, attributing the damage to ongoing heavy rains.
“They are right to cry. The roads are all bad because of the rains,” said the Minister. We carried out an assessment from Nesitu to Liria, and Liria to Torit, and are now waiting for the contractor’s full report.”
He confirmed that the rehabilitation will be carried out by Neges Company, a private firm involved in road construction and water production. Once the report is reviewed, detailed plans will be released on how potholes will be filled and the road restored.
Drivers have also raised concerns over the high number of checkpoints and unofficial payments along the highway. Minister Abala clarified that there are only two official checkpoints in the state: one at the Torit–Magwi junction and another near Kor-Ingilis.
“My suggestion is for those manning checkpoints not to exaggerate collections from drivers or traders,” he said, acknowledging the need to curb informal fees.
The Juba–Torit Road is a vital transport corridor linking Eastern Equatoria to the national capital. Drivers warn that continued neglect will lead to more vehicle breakdowns, longer travel times, and higher costs for both passengers and Agricultural businesses.
Unions in both Torit and Magwi are calling for urgent intervention, warning that the livelihoods of thousands depend on safe and reliable transport infrastructure.
“This story is reported with a grant from Journalists for Human Rights under the ‘Tackling Mis/Disinformation Project,’ funded by the Peace and Stabilization Program of the Government of Canada.”