Ezo County Commissioner, Abel Sudan, has urged the South Sudanese government and development partners to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Ezo-Yambio Highway.
This road serves as a critical link between Ezo County and Yambio in Western Equatoria State, facilitating access to markets and enabling the transport of agricultural produce.
Speaking to Doran Media on Sunday, Commissioner Sudan stressed the highway’s significance to the region’s economy, particularly in supporting agriculture.
“This year, Ezo County has surpassed its agricultural production targets, especially in crops like groundnuts, maize, rice, and cassava flour,” he said. He emphasized that the county’s abundant food supply could benefit Western Equatoria and the nation’s capital, Juba.
However, Sudan expressed serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Ezo-Yambio road, especially the section from Diablo to Ezo, which is plagued with potholes and becomes impassable during the rainy season.
“Traders and customers struggle to reach the county to buy our produce due to the poor road conditions,” he lamented.
He underscored that improved road infrastructure would make transportation easier for bicycles, motorbikes, and vehicles, enhancing both trade and the movement of essential goods.
Commending local farmers for their efforts, Sudan highlighted that the county produces organic food without the use of fertilizers or chemicals.
“Our food is 100% organic, grown naturally by local farmers,” he noted, adding that the region’s produce stands out for its quality.
The commissioner made a passionate appeal to the youth of Western Equatoria, urging them to engage in agriculture rather than seeking white-collar jobs.
“Next year, we want to see more young people farming, earning their income, and producing enough to reduce dependence on imported goods, many of which contain chemicals,” Sudan stated.
Ezo County, located in Western Equatoria State, shares borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. With its fertile land, the county holds immense potential for large-scale agricultural production but requires improved infrastructure to fully realize this potential.
