Poor Juba-Rumbek road design blamed for causing flood in northern Juba

JUBA – Residents of Kworijik Payam of Central Equatoria State in South Sudan have raised concerns over what many described as “poor drainage design of Juba-Rumbek road” which they said has cause floods that displaced 9,000 people.

James Subek Pitia, Head Chief of Kworijik Luri blamed the contractors of Chinese Construction Firm, Shandong Hi-Speed Group Company Ltd (SDHS) for poor engineering work that make free flow of water almost impossible

“My area has been destroyed by floods and this flood is caused by poor rood construction of Juba-Rumbek,”

Subek urged the government to review the design of the construction of Juba-Terekeka-Yirol-Rumbek road.

“We as a chief, I am not against construction of roads and the road should be constructed in a good way. Let the government review the design of this road because if nothing is done, it may lead to permanent displacement of my people,” he said.

“We would like the government to talk with the Construction Company to open drainage for free flow of water to the River Nile because if this is not done, flood will continue to displace my people,” he added.

Joel Loro Daudi, Chairperson of Youth of Kworijik said it was the worst flood even to hit the area which he said is a result of climate change

“The floods are as a result of climatic change and construction of Juba-Bahr-el-Ghazal road which has blocked free passage of water to the river,” Loro said.

In March 2019, the Chinese construction firm was granted a contract by the government to start construction of major roads.

But the government halted works on the Juba-Terekeka-Yirol-Rumbek road in May after heavy flooding caused some damage to a few sections of the unpaved road.

After undertaking a review of the project lasting about three months, the Chinese firm was granted permission to resume work.

The SDHS will install 11 modern standard bridges, 35 box culverts, 300 pipeline culverts, and 21 viaducts along the highway.