South Sudan is located in East-Central Africa, with a population of 12 million. The country has been experiencing political unrest and economic challenges since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. The transport sector is essential for moving people and goods, but is characterised by poor road infrastructure and a limited number of vehicles. This article will analyse the indicators related to vehicle maintenance and repair in South Sudan.

Indicators According to Knoema data, the number of vehicles in South Sudan increased from 32,000 in 2008 to 174,000 in 2019. Due to the need for proper maintenance and repair facilities, most of these vehicles need to be in better condition, leading to frequent breakdowns and accidents. Therefore, vehicle maintenance and repair are essential to the transport industry.

Number of repair facilities

The number of vehicle maintenance and repair facilities in South Sudan is limited. According to Knoema, there were only 106 facilities in 2019, most of which were in the capital city, Juba.

Employment in the sector

The vehicle maintenance and repair sector is a significant employer in South Sudan. Knoema data shows that in 2019, the sector provided jobs to over 1,000 people.

Access to spare parts

Due to the limited number of repair facilities, access to spare parts is a significant challenge in South Sudan. In addition, most of the spare parts are imported, making them expensive and hard to find.

The average cost of repairs

The cost of vehicle repairs in South Sudan is relatively high compared to other African countries. According to Knoema, the average cost of repairs in 2019 was around 100 USD.

Government intervention

The South Sudanese government has been improving the country's vehicle maintenance and repair sector. One of the initiatives is the establishment of vocational training centres to provide skills training to mechanics.

Conclusion

The vehicle maintenance and repair sector is an essential component of the transport industry in South Sudan. The limited number of repair facilities, access to spare parts, and high cost of repairs still need to be addressed. The government's initiatives to improve the sector, such as establishing vocational training centres, are steps in the right direction.