The Drivers' Union in South Sudan's Eastern Equatoria State on Friday called off a week-long strike demanding the provision of security for road users.
Last week, the drivers parked their vehicles after one of them was killed between Camp 15 and Kapoeta highway in Kor-Galerio bridge.
David Louis Alphonse, a member of the Drivers' committee following up on their petition said their demands have not been met.
"We have resumed work. Even after distributing our petition letters to all government offices, the government has not responded to us, the issue remains unresolved. The passengers here also are crying complaining that they are tired and even some drivers developed some conditions as well that is why we have decided to resume," he said.
He added: "We thought it is wise to reopen because our passengers are now complaining and we are the ones serving the population and it also affects us that is why reopened today. So my message to the government is to let them resolve the road issue but we are ready to work, we are only yearning for security."
Munzir Sebit, a driver plying the Torit-Juba road says they are worried about their lives having lost colleagues inline of service
"The service we are doing now is a service for all, there are people who don’t have the capacity of taking a plane. We are encouraging the government because they have the upper hand to resolve the road issue. The roads should be safe so that there will be freedom even when the vehicle breaks down we sleep on the road without any problem," he appealed.
Giro Korok Giro, a driver along the Torit-Kapoeta road urged the government to deploy security convoys to prevent road ambushes.
“If the government doesn't get a solution to the roads then we as drivers are at risk and we will die just like that because of the many crimes, lootings, and killings. If they cannot protect us they should let us know so that we can find ways of getting a convoy to help us," he suggested.
Earlier the state information minister Patrick Oting Cyprian assured the drivers that the government has already reopened barracks along the Torit-Kapoeta road and is working with the Central Equatoria state government to do the same along Torit-Juba road.
According to the Driver's Union, nine drivers have lost their lives since the beginning of the year due to insecurity in the state.