The government of South Sudan is planning to move its capital from the city of Juba to a less populated town in Lakes State.

South Sudanese officials say the Cabinet has decided to move the capital to Ramciel, in the center of the new nation.

Officials said Sunday that the government was having problems acquiring enough land to build new facilities in Juba.

The government says it has secured more than 40 square kilometers in Ramciel, which is 240 kilometers north of the current capital.

South Sudan's information minister, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, says construction plans in Ramciel will take several years to implement.

The decision still needs parliamentary approval.

Juba is the largest city in South Sudan, which formally declared its independence from Sudan on July 9.