The government has announced a plan to strengthen the transport systems in the country to achieve economic growth.
South Sudan’s transportation system depends significantly on road transport; however, it is marked by a poorly developed and mostly unpaved road network.
The country now faces major challenges due to inadequate infrastructure, seasonal weather conditions, ongoing security issues, and limited aviation services, which complicate the movement of goods and people in the country.
To address such challenges, the Vice President and Chairperson of Economic Clusters, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, held a meeting with the newly appointed Minister of Transport, Dr. Lam Akol, to discuss strengthening the country’s transport system.
“As a vital driver of economic growth, regional integration, and service delivery, the Ministry of Transport stands at the heart of national transformation. The government will strengthen the ministry to deliver results that touch lives, open up the country, and move South Sudan forward,” VP Bol stated in a statement extended to Standard Zone News on Tuesday.
The vice president and chairperson of the economic clusters, Dr. Benjamin Bol, assured the minister of transport of the full support of the implementation of the improvement of the transport system in the country.
Speaking to the media last Friday after swearing in, Transport minister, Dr. Lam Akol, pledged to champion the president’s vision of connecting modern and prosperous South Sudan.
He further conveyed his commitment to collaboration, integrity, dedication, and accountability principles that are vital in the Ministry of Transport.
“Dr. Lam Akol also emphasized the full support of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance for the implementation of the Peace Agreement, particularly in the area of national transport, which is essential for peace dividends to reach all corners of the country,” the statement partly read.
Dr. Lam’s commitment to improving transport aligns with the president’s call during the swearing-in ceremony, where he urged the expedited development of the dry port in Naivasha, Kenya.
Though the country has a transport system, the country suffered significant challenges in transporting systems in some states.
The recent report published by the World Food Programme in the Department of Logistics Clusters pointed out that the South Sudan road access and security remain major logistical challenges faced by the humanitarian community in South Sudan.
It noted that “most of the limited road network becomes inaccessible during the long rainy season in Jonglei and Upper Nile states.”
