The newly appointed Governor of Central Equatoria State, Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, is confronting a persistent urban challenge that has outlasted several administrations – the illegal allocation of public land along major roads in Juba.
In a firm directive issued this week, Governor Mujung ordered an immediate halt to the unauthorized demarcation and distribution of residential plots along two key public roads.
The move is aimed at curbing unlawful encroachment on infrastructure critical to the city’s transportation and urban planning.
According to a statement from the Governor’s Press Secretary, Waakhe Simon Wudu, portions of public roads have been illegally subdivided and allocated to individuals for private residential use, actions that violate planning regulations and threaten the integrity of Juba’s Road network.
“In light of the above, H.E. Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, Governor of Central Equatoria State, has directed the Commissioner of Juba County to immediately halt all such activities along the affected roads until further notice,” the statement read.
The roads affected include Road-40, commonly known as Sharia Arrbeyin, which connects Blocks 3, 4, 6, and 7 to Gurei, and another road in Gudele West, located behind Kuburi Haboba and stretching toward Mary Queen Church.
Both roads are vital to Juba’s urban connectivity and public mobility.
Governor Mujung emphasized that public roads must be preserved for their intended purpose and warned that any unauthorized conversion into residential land would not be tolerated.
The Governor’s office also clarified that no official authorization has been granted for such land allocations.
Individuals or groups affected by the directive have been advised to report to the Office of the Commissioner of Juba County for further guidance as authorities investigate the matter and take appropriate legal action to prevent further encroachment.
As Governor Mujung steps into office, his swift response to this long-standing issue signals a renewed commitment to enforcing urban planning laws and protecting public infrastructure, an issue that has repeatedly challenged those who came before him.
