South Sudan launches road safety campaign with northern corridor secretariat

JUBA – The Northern Corridor Secretariat, in collaboration with the government of South Sudan, launched a Road Safety Awareness Campaign on Tuesday to promote safer road use along the Northern Corridor.

The campaign, running from November 19 to 21, 2024, will address critical issues such as driver fatigue, traffic rule compliance, and eco-driving techniques to enhance safety and efficiency.

The Northern Corridor, stretching from Mombasa, Kenya, to South Sudan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, is a vital trade and transport artery.

Despite infrastructure improvements, road safety remains a significant challenge.

South Sudanese transport undersecretary Mary Akech Milla highlighted the urgent need to address road safety concerns.

“Every year, countless lives are lost and families devastated by road crashes. These accidents are not just personal tragedies; they are significant barriers to our national and regional development,” she said.

Milla emphasized the importance of human behavior in preventing accidents and called on all road users to prioritize safety.

She outlined the government’s commitment to improving road safety through policy development, infrastructure upgrades, and capacity building for traffic police.

Dr. John Deng Diar Diing, Executive Secretary of the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority, emphasized the Secretariat’s focus on road safety.

He outlined the campaign’s objectives: mitigating driver fatigue, promoting traffic rule compliance, and advocating for eco-driving techniques.

Diing highlighted South Sudan’s efforts to enhance road safety, including conducting a transport sector assessment, developing a transport sector policy, securing funding for road infrastructure, and supporting the construction of roadside stations.

Lieutenant General James Ruot Wuor, Assistant Inspector General of Police for Traffic, stressed the importance of law enforcement in ensuring road safety.

He urged drivers to prioritize safety and avoid reckless driving.

Juba City Mayor Johnson Swaka echoed the call for responsible driving, urging motorists to slow down and focus on the road.

“When you are driving, be careful, put your focus on what you are doing, drive responsibly,” he said.