Last week, Jonglei state governor Riek Gai Kok announced a comprehensive road rehabilitation plan aimed at transforming access to healthcare, education, Humanitarian delivery and markets in most parts of northern Jonglei.
In a letter addressed to Eng. John Khot Chol Deng, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, WFP Acting Representative and Country Director Dr. Adham Eltom outlined plans to upgrade more than 400 kilometers of critical road networks in 2026.
The initiative builds on WFP’s successful rehabilitation of several key roads in 2025.
According to the letter, the proposed works will focus on four main road sections as divided in Lot 1 Ayod – Pathai – Mwtot – Waat – Walgak (95 km), Lot 2 Walgak – Kaiikuny – Akobo (94 km), Lot 3 Mwtot – Lankien – Pading (78 km) and Pathai – Karam (18 km), Lot 4 Poktap – Payuel – Pajut – Fateul – Yuai – Pieri – Mwtot (139 km).
The project aims to rehabilitate roads to a basic standard to ensure reliable access with minimal interruptions, facilitating humanitarian operations, boosting local economic activity, and strengthening community resilience.
The Planned works include bush clearing, roadbed formation, embankment construction, drainage improvements, and surface grading for smoother and safer travel.
WFP also called for close collaboration with national and local authorities to ensure alignment with development priorities and to avoid duplication of efforts.
The organization is seeking government support in stakeholder engagement, securing right-of-way access, mobilizing local resources, and promoting sustainable community ownership of the rehabilitated roads.
“This is essential for facilitating humanitarian operations, supporting economic activity, and strengthening community resilience,” Dr. Eltom wrote, emphasizing WFP’s commitment to long-term maintenance and labour-based upkeep of the roads.
The letter was copied to the Governor of Jonglei State, the State Minister of Roads and Bridges, the State RRC Chairperson, and several county commissioners across Jonglei.
If approved, the 2026 road rehabilitation plan will significantly expand humanitarian access to remote and conflict-affected communities in Jonglei State, potentially benefiting thousands of people in need of essential services and aid.
