In a bold move to tackle Juba’s growing urban congestion, officials from Juba County, Central Equatoria State have launched a major land demarcation initiative in Diggala, setting aside 1,800 square kilometers for new residential and public development.
The launch event, held over the weekend, brought together high-ranking government officials, community elders, and local residents in a united front to reshape the capital’s future.
The project aims to ease the population burden on Juba by opening up planned settlement zones equipped with essential services.
Juba County Commissioner Emmanuel Tete Ezbon described the project as a blueprint for sustainable urban growth, noting that the Diggala development would include space for schools, health facilities, markets, and cemeteries for both Christian and Muslim communities.
“We’re here to initiate a new chapter,” Ezbon said during the ceremony. “But allocation comes with responsibility. Any land that remains undeveloped after six months to a year will be reassigned to someone ready to build.”
Ezbon also called on residents with claims to plots in the area to come forward for formal verification and registration.
Central Equatoria State Minister of Local Government, Leon Abe, lauded the Diggala community’s cooperation and emphasized the urgency behind the plan.
“Juba is overcrowded, and the need for settlement space is critical,” Abe said. “Thanks to the people of Diggala for stepping up. This will relieve pressure on the city and improve planning and service delivery.”
Martin Morris, Executive Director of Rajaf Payam, emphasized the importance of swift implementation to deter illegal land occupation.
“Now that the boundaries are drawn, development must begin immediately to prevent land grabbing,” he said.
Engineer Thomas Mathew from the technical task force revealed that the land has been segmented into nine major blocks, designated for infrastructure including schools, hospitals, and investment zones.
“If executed as designed, this development will provide everything residents need—without requiring travel to central Juba for services,” he explained.
Officials say the project embodies the late Dr. John Garang’s vision of decentralizing development, taking towns to the people by bringing services directly into rural areas.
The Diggala initiative is poised to be a model for other regions in South Sudan, promising to redefine how urban expansion meets community needs in a rapidly growing nation.
