The hazardous road resulted in the tragic loss of PhD Student in Gogrial, South Sudan
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Adija - Barkazal Road
By Deng Madut Akech Akoon, Adelaide, Australia
Monday, 17 June 2024 (PW) — The memory of our community’s Ph.D. son, Dr. Joseph Yel Makuach, who tragically lost his life in a car accident while riding a motorbike, still weighs heavily on our minds. While visiting my home country for the first time in 2014-15, I met Dr. Joseph Yel Makuach, a kind-hearted individual. Brothers Joseph Yel and Daniel Deng Yel visited me at Ambassador Deng Ngor’s residence in Nairobi, where they presented their community’s plans. I listened carefully and promised to support their ideas but chose not to participate in any activities carried out by our community in Nairobi.
The case of Dr. Joseph Yel Makuach, a promising scholar who lost his life in a motorbike accident on a hazardous road, is not an isolated incident. It is symptomatic of a broader crisis that plagues South Sudan’s rural areas, where poor road conditions, inadequate safety measures, and reckless driving have turned highways into death traps. The road that runs through Gogrial town and Kuacjok has become a constant reminder of grief and loss, having claimed two young lives in just a month last year due to the reckless driving of ARC company employees.
During my time at home, I closely examined the road from Wau, Kuacjok, and Gogrial town and noticed that speeding was a recurring problem. When I arrived in Wau, I was surprised at how smooth the road was, but Kuacjok had a different story to tell. My family and I rented a car and drove from Wau, Kuacjok, and Gogrial, and observed dirt piles on the side of the road, starting from Wunacier, Ajak, Monydit, and Wuny, and extending up to Alek. Company bosses took advantage of cheap labour to save money, while inexperienced workers were employed. The ARC-affected areas include Mayom, Pan-Liet Awan Mou, Twic, and Abyei. Safety signs and speed limits were not in place on the roads, endangering drivers.
The tragic loss of Dr. Joseph Yel Makuach and countless others to preventable accidents and violence is a call to action. I complained in private due to the unresolvable nature of my queries regarding Gogrial town’s road contractors, who lack the necessary skills to operate heavy machinery and drive on the roads, resulting in annual fatalities. The death that occurred on this road should not be forgiven, nor should the deaths of those who passed away before him. The incident has not been addressed by any government officials or Bol Mel. The lack of accountability exacerbates the situation. When tragedies occur, such as the death of Dr. Makuach, there is often no meaningful response from government officials. This silence speaks volumes about the leadership’s priorities and their disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary citizens. I urge Late Joseph Yel’s family to take this matter to court at the earliest opportunity.
As I quoted from Dr. Kuel Maluil, Bol Mel has acquired millions of dollars in the name of Bor and Bhar el Ghazal Road and the public has been misled by the Company, ARC, under him. The million dollars acquired is not my concern, but the fact that they hired heavy vehicle drivers without proper documentation raises questions. This brings into question the company’s commitment to ensuring the safety of nearby communities. ARC’s success is unlikely if Bol Mel remains its sole controller, halting progress. The region’s four governors, led by Gen. Aleu, should be present to oversee and monitor. Bol Mel’s corrupt activities must be halted by him, the President.
The mismanagement of South Sudan by corrupt and inefficient leadership has resulted in significant brain drain and loss of human capital. The case of the ARC company, responsible for road construction in the region, is a prime example. Despite receiving millions of dollars for infrastructure projects, the company has failed to implement basic safety measures such as proper signage and speed limits. The tragic death of Dr. Joseph Yel Makuach is a glaring example of how neglect and corruption have devastating consequences. The hazardous road conditions, poor infrastructure, and lack of proper oversight have not only caused countless accidents but also discouraged educated individuals from contributing to their homeland.
Furthermore, the issues extend beyond road safety. In the countryside, road ambushes and cattle rustling have led to immense loss of lives and human capital. These violent activities, often fueled by ethnic conflicts and a lack of effective law enforcement, have created an environment of fear and instability. The youth, seeing no future in their war-torn and corrupt homeland, are fleeing in search of better opportunities abroad. This brain drain exacerbates the country’s problems, as the very individuals who could help rebuild and stabilize South Sudan are leaving.
The South Sudanese government must take immediate and effective action to address these issues. Strengthening infrastructure, enforcing road safety regulations, and cracking down on corruption are essential steps. The international community also has a role to play in supporting these efforts and holding the government accountable. The loss of bright minds like Dr. Joseph Yel Makuach is a tragedy that should not be repeated. It’s time for South Sudan to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens to stop the exodus of its most valuable resource—its people.
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