South Sudan: Nimule Weighbridge Axle Load Controls Operational

• South Sudan's Roads and Bridges Minister, Peter Lam Both, stated that overloaded trucks from East Africa are responsible for severe damage to the Juba-Nimule road.
• Trucks frequently consolidate cargo at Nimule, exceeding the regional 45-tonne weight limit by carrying 60-70 tonnes due to the previous lack of measurement facilities.
• A new weighbridge has been installed in Nimule to control axle loads upon the road's reconstruction, aiming to harmonize with East African weight regulations.
• The 192-km Juba-Nimule road, upgraded with $225 million from USAID and inaugurated in 2012, has significantly deteriorated, prompting complaints from road users.
• Transport Minister Rizik Zachariah Hassan announced that a transport policy framework has been presented to parliament, alongside five transport bills submitted to the Ministry of Justice.

The newly installed Nimule weighbridge is poised to enforce regional axle load limits, signaling a significant shift for logistics and transport operations on the critical Juba-Nimule corridor.

South Sudan's primary trade artery, the Juba-Nimule road, has suffered extensive damage largely due to overloaded trucks originating from East Africa, according to Peter Lam Both, the Minister of Roads and Bridges. Speaking at the seventh Global Logistics Convention in Juba, Minister Lam Both highlighted that while regional regulations typically permit a maximum of 45 tonnes per truck, vehicles arriving at Nimule frequently consolidate their cargo. This practice results in single trucks carrying significantly heavier loads, often between 60 and 70 tonnes, which then traverse the 192-kilometer route.

This issue has persisted because, historically, South Sudan lacked the necessary infrastructure to measure and enforce truck weight limits at its borders. The Minister explained that trucks would offload portions of their cargo from one vehicle to another at Nimule, with the empty truck returning, effectively circumventing regional weight restrictions. This unchecked overloading has been identified as the primary cause for the rapid deterioration of the Juba-Nimule road, which was inaugurated in September 2012 after a $225 million upgrade funded by the U.S. government through USAID, and was designed to significantly cut travel times from eight hours to under three.

However, a critical change has occurred. A weighbridge at Nimule was installed and became operational in late 2024 to control axle loads. This new measure aims to harmonize South Sudan's transport regulations with those of its East African neighbors, ensuring compliance with established weight limits. The implementation of the South Sudan Nimule weighbridge axle load controls represents a pivotal shift for logistics and transport companies operating on this vital corridor, which connects Juba to Uganda and onward to Kenya's Port of Mombasa.

Beyond the immediate focus on the Juba-Nimule road, the government is actively pursuing a comprehensive strategy for national and regional transport infrastructure. Minister Lam Both also mentioned ongoing efforts concerning the Nadapal-Juba road, a crucial link between South Sudan and Kenya, with discussions planned in Nairobi to advance this project. Furthermore, work is slated for the Pagak-Paloch road, which will connect South Sudan with Ethiopia and key oil-producing regions in Upper Nile state.

These road projects are part of a larger vision for enhancing connectivity, as articulated by Transport Minister Rizik Zachariah Hassan. Minister Hassan emphasized the government's commitment to developing a robust transport system that integrates South Sudan internally and strengthens its ties with neighboring countries. He underscored that transport is not merely a government function but is the "bloodstream" of the nation's economy, essential for achieving national objectives and delivering services.

In a significant move towards formalizing this vision, Minister Hassan revealed that a comprehensive transport policy framework has been tabled before parliament. Concurrently, five distinct transport bills have been submitted to the Ministry of Justice for review. These legislative initiatives are designed to underpin the country's transport sector, fostering regional cooperation and strengthening connections, particularly through the Northern Corridor. The government's proactive stance on developing a South Sudan transport policy framework signals a new era for regulatory compliance and operational standards within the logistics sector.

The statements from both Ministers at the Global Logistics Convention in Juba underscore the profound economic and social significance of a well-maintained and regulated transport network for South Sudan. The Juba-Nimule road, despite its current state of extensive potholes and deteriorated sections, remains a critical conduit for trade, facilitating the movement of goods and people and supporting regional integration. The government's determination to reconstruct and regulate this and other key routes reflects a broader commitment to national development and stability.

The imminent enforcement of axle load limits via the new Nimule weighbridge, coupled with the development of a comprehensive South Sudan transport policy framework and associated legislation, will introduce a new compliance landscape for logistics and transport companies. Businesses operating in the region must now prepare to adhere strictly to East Africa truck weight limits, such as the 45-tonne standard, to avoid penalties and contribute to the longevity of vital infrastructure. This regulatory shift is not merely about road preservation but about fostering a more efficient, predictable, and sustainable trade environment.

Ultimately, the government's initiatives aim to transform South Sudan's logistical capabilities, ensuring that its infrastructure can support economic growth, facilitate trade, and enhance regional connectivity. The emphasis on roads, railways, water transport, and airports, as articulated by Peter Lam Both, highlights a holistic approach to overcoming geographical barriers and promoting social integration, all of which hinge on effective regulation and enforcement within the transport sector.

Lawyers advising logistics and transport companies operating in South Sudan should alert clients to the imminent enforcement of axle load limits via the new Nimule weighbridge. Non-compliance with regional weight regulations (e.g., 45-tonne limit) could lead to penalties, and clients should review their cargo consolidation practices and transport contracts. Additionally, watch for the proposed transport policy framework and five transport bills, which may introduce new compliance requirements.

Source: Reporting based on statements from government officials.