Managing cultural heritage components in a development project: community voices from the Juba-Rumbek Road Improvement Project in South Sudan

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a feasibility study for the Juba-Rumbek road improvement project in South Sudan. The study was conducted between March and June 2022. The overall objective of the feasibility study was to examine the feasibility of the road project. Specifically, the study aimed at analyzing the social and environmental impacts of the road project on the local communities and their livelihoods. The study also aimed at conducting resettlement action planning (RAP)and livelihood restoration. The study also identified and cultural heritage aspects that would be affected by the road project, which is the focus of this paper. The study employed a cross-sectional design, which was descriptive in nature. Heritage reputation theoretical framework was utilised to guide the study. The heritage sites identified along the road project include burial grounds, cattle camps, shrines and scared trees, among others. The study findings indicate that if implemented properly, infrastructure development can positively impact heritage sites and their conservation. The analysis highlights the importance of preserving the heritage sites. The study concludes that the conservation of heritage sites in the face of development is a complex process. The findings may be of practical value to development partners who face the dilemma of implementing infrastructure projects, while at the same time mitigating the impacts of those initiatives on heritage sites.