The South Sudan Freight Forwarders Association (SSFFA) has warned that the deteriorating Nimule–Juba Highway, the nation’s main trade lifeline, risks becoming impassable without swift government intervention, a scenario that could halt commerce and endanger lives.
In a statement to the relevant ministries, the SSFFA warned that the 192-kilometre highway is in “a state of near collapse,” citing deep potholes, severe erosion, and hazardous driving conditions.
The association said the road’s condition has deteriorated so badly that it now poses “an immediate threat” to the national economy, public safety, and regional trade.
“The Nimule–Juba Highway is more than just a road, it is the lifeline of our economy. If swift action is not taken, South Sudan risks losing its primary trade link with Uganda and the region, with devastating consequences for businesses and citizens alike,” said SSFFA President Deng Daniel.
The association revealed that at least 27 commercial trucks have sustained severe damage in the past 30 days between Aru Junction and Nesitu due to the worsening road surface.
These incidents, often involving cargo-laden vehicles, have resulted in millions of dollars in losses and numerous accidents, some fatal.
Beyond the financial toll, the poor state of the highway is driving up the cost of goods in Juba and other cities, as transport companies increase fees to cover soaring maintenance and fuel expenses.
Essential commodities such as food, fuel, and construction materials are already seeing price hikes, deepening the economic strain on households and businesses.
Security concerns are also mounting. Slow-moving vehicles and frequent breakdowns in remote areas leave travellers vulnerable to robberies and ambushes, particularly at night, the association warned.
The SSFFA urged the government to treat the situation as a national emergency and outlined a series of immediate actions, including: Launching emergency repairs on the most critically damaged sections of the highway.
The group also suggest establishing a clear timeline for full-scale rehabilitation of the entire route and deploying regular maintenance patrols to monitor and address deterioration, especially during the rainy season.
Built with international assistance and completed in 2012, the Nimule–Juba Highway serves as the main trade corridor linking South Sudan to Uganda and the broader East African market.
However, years of heavy traffic, minimal upkeep, and seasonal flooding have left it in a perilous state.
“Every day that passes without intervention brings us closer to a full collapse,” Deng warned. “The government must act now to safeguard lives, protect trade, and restore confidence among investors and the business community.”
This is not the first time such calls have been made. Civil society activist Edmund Yakani recently issued a similar appeal for urgent repairs to the Nimule–Juba Highway, but little to no action has been observed, highlighting ongoing frustration over the lack of government response.
The call from freight forwarders underscores growing frustration from the private sector over the lack of infrastructure maintenance in South Sudan — a challenge that continues to hamper economic growth and regional integration.
