By David Ochan-Torit
Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has called on communities across the state to take the lead in constructing feeder roads in their localities to ease access to goods and essential services.
Speaking during the official reopening of the state assembly’s second session on Monday in Torit, Lobong commended the people of Pajok for setting a strong example by building a road from their own resources.
“Political leaders, you need to educate and talk to your community to open feeder roads leading to their villages,” Lobong urged. “Let us not wait for the government to do all these small roads into our villages and Bomas. Our people can do it. I really want to thank and congratulate the communities of Pajok. They contributed money and made an excellent road all the way to the border.”
Governor Lobong emphasized that the development of local infrastructure, such as feeder roads, is key to responding effectively to emergencies and improving livelihoods in rural areas.
He further challenged South Sudanese intellectuals to instill a spirit of self-reliance among citizens, criticizing over-dependence on foreign aid, which he said has bred a culture of inaction and laziness.
“We must educate our people to be self-reliant and avoid over-depending on foreign aid,” he said. “If the aid comes, fine. If it doesn’t, we can still live. Some people may suffer for a while, some may even die, but it will eventually force us to think twice and do things the right way.”
Lobong’s remarks come at a time when most rural areas in South Sudan remain inaccessible due to poor or non-existent road infrastructure, often hindering humanitarian response, trade, and service delivery.