Yei authorities begin Wuluturu Bridge rehabilitation after decade of closure

YEI — Authorities in Yei River County in South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State have officially launched the long-awaited rehabilitation of Wuluturu Bridge, a major step toward reconnecting Wuluturu and surrounding communities with Yei town after nearly ten years of isolation.

The project, initially scheduled to begin in September 2025, was delayed due to ongoing rehabilitation works on Kanjoro Bridge. Wuluturu Bridge collapsed a decade ago, severing access to health facilities, schools, markets, and other essential services for residents in the area.

Speaking at the launch on Monday, Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme said the rehabilitation will restore access to basic services and stimulate local economic activity.

“The taxes collected from the market are now being returned to the community through service delivery,” Taban said.

He described Wuluturu Bridge as a critical transport link connecting Yei town to surrounding payams and rural communities.

“The rehabilitation of Wuluturu Bridge will ease the movement of goods and people, improve access to social services, and prevent communities from being cut off from the town during the rainy season,” he added.

Taban commended residents for their patience during the mobilisation of local resources and said the project is expected to be completed within three months, barring unforeseen challenges.

Yei River County Executive Director Hillary John Konga urged engineers and contractors to adhere to the project timeline, stressing the bridge’s importance to public safety and livelihoods.

“It is our responsibility as a local government to provide essential services using locally generated revenue,” Konga said, while also calling on the national government to continue supporting service delivery at the county level.

Meanwhile, Richard Lugala Godo, Director of Roads and Physical Infrastructure in Yei River County, said the bridge is vital to the county’s economic development. He noted that it connects Yei town to rural areas and payams, including Otogo, and extends toward the Democratic Republic of Congo border, facilitating trade and cross-border movement.

Community leaders welcomed the initiative. Justin Dicko, Head Chief of Ronyi Boma, praised the county leadership for prioritising infrastructure, describing the project as a sign of responsive governance.

Elder Sanya James said the rehabilitation is expected to improve security and boost local trade by ensuring reliable, year-round access for residents and traders alike.