Juba: Wrangling over capital status continues
A scale model of the new capital of Southern Sudan, taken from Pascal Ladu's article "New country, new capital"
The oil-induced expansion of Juba has been chaotic and unplanned. It is in this context that the authorities have been making provisions for an alternative seat of government.
The administration of Juba falls within the jurisdiction of both national and state governments, thus causing problems in oversight and supervision. The expansion of the city to neighbouring villages has resulted in illegal land grabbing, adding to the complexities of Juba's present status as the country's capital.
Further, the rising demand for land by the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), as well as many other national and international entities, fuels the ongoing debate. Marvis Birungi analyses this issue, presenting the views of a GoSS representative and some private business people:
