Jonglei traders ask government to improve roads and security to lower prices

February 8, 2012 (JUBA) – Members of the local community and traders in Jonglei State are calling upon the South Sudanese and state government to increase protection of civilians across it of Jongei’s 11 counties.

The community leaders and traders urged government to quickly impose civilian disarmament as well improve feeder roads to connect South Sudan’s largest state with it’s remote payams [districts] to help businesses and restore security.

Speaking on Monday in Bor town, the chairman for Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Jonglei State Daniel Majok said that lack of feeder roads, insecurity, and unauthorised weapons have lead to increases in prices.

Majok said that better roads and security so that businesses could reach grassroots communities with affordable prices.

But, he said, “roads are not enough and in fact it is that security in Jonglei is spreading. Sometimes those building and repairing roads come under attack, he said.

The UN says the 140,000 people have been effected by cattle raids and counter attacks in the the last two months.

Over 1,000 people have been killed in fighting between the Luo-Nuer and Murle tribes between June and December 2011. Hundreds are believed to have been killed in the latest fighting but exact figures have not been confirmed.

Jonglei governor Kuol Manyang Juuk said that the insecurity had meant that no development activities were able to place in some areas of the state, which is the size of Bagldadesh.

He said that President Salva Kiir had authorised a disarmament campaign, which would use force if weapons were not handed over peacefully.

(ST)