“Don’t harm or torture our citizens”, Juba City Council Mayor warns Traders over astronomical commodity prices

Mayor of Juba City Council Kalisto Ladu has vowed that his administration will not rest till traders lower the prices of commodities.

The mayor fired a warning against traders, who he accused of hiking prices, even after the South Sudanese Pound strengthened against the US dollar.

He was speaking at an interview televised by the state broadcaster SSBC over the weekend.

‘‘We warn traders not to harm or torture our citizens. They have to reduce their prices in response to the fall in the dollar rate,’’ he said.

He went on to say, ‘‘The Somali community traders were here and they agreed to reduce the prices of commodities.’’

Ladu defended his administration from accusations that city council had led a crackdown on innocent traders levying extortionist fines. He also cautioned against those criticizing his administration saying such people ought to mind their businesses and avoid meddling in his job.

He said: ‘‘Traders must pay the taxes. If you expect good services. I have the responsibility to protect the citizens of this country. There should be no interference.’’

His sentiments come after traders operating in parts of Juba such as Konyo-Konyo, Jebel and Munuki areas downed tools and closed shops over claims of harassment by the city council.

Some of them told the media that they were forced to pay exorbitant fines which were unjustified. But speaking during the interview, the mayor said the crackdown only targeted non-compliant businesses that had defied some trading requirements.