Key northern roads ‘severely damaged’ in South Sudan

A report by the UN Logistics Cluster in South Sudan has found that key road corridors in South Sudan are severely damaged. These include the stretches between Rumbek and Bentiu and between Mayom and Abiemnhom.

A report by the UN Logistics Cluster in South Sudan has found that key road corridors in South Sudan are severely damaged. These include the stretches between Rumbek and Bentiu and between Mayom and Abiemnhom.

A roads assessment mission carried out by the Logistics Cluster found that the “Mayom to Abiemnhom Road is severely damaged an impassable for all traffic during the peak of the rainy season (August to October).”

During the mission, the assessment team observed 20 trucks stuck along the road stretch between Mayom and Abiemnhom, including light vehicles.

The mission was carried out by four staff who traveled over approximately 1,600 km of roads in South Sudan from 6 – 18 July.

The Logistics Cluster recommended in a report that repairs be made along the Rumbek-Bentiu road, including at damaged road sections at Maper-Mayendit, Mayendit-Mir, and Mir-Tharjath.

At least ten trucks were stuck along this corridor due to heavy rains and poor road conditions.

“Mayom to Abiemnhom road needs to be rehabilitated immediately to allow humanitarian access to Bentiu and further to refugee camps in Unity State,” the report added. 

Photo: A truck stranded in mud on the Mayom-Abiemnhom route in northern Unity State, South Sudan (UN)