Lakes state hit by high food and fuel prices

September 12, 2014 (RUMBEK) – Poor road networks and insecurity in South Sudan’s Lakes state have caused a hike in prices of goods and services, citizens said.

Several people interviewed by Sudan Tribune largely blamed the state government for failing to address insecurity and improve roads networks in the state.

Lakes state caretaker governor, Matur Chut Dhoul instead accused citizens of frustrating his programmes by boycotting government activities aimed at improving their lives.

But the governor’s account was contradicted by the business fraternity who instead accused the state of levying high taxes on their goods, in addition to poor roads and insecurity.

Moses Majok, a Lakes state activist, urged Dhoul to step down having “failed to control market prices and insecurity in Lakes state since his appointment in 2012.”

HIGH FUEL PRICES

The state is also experiencing fuel shortage as seven stations ceased operation over lack of supply.

“Fuel is nowhere in town except at Dalbit International, which has very little fuel now serving the whole state and town,” said a local business man.

A litre of petrol in Lakes state currently costs between SSP 30-45. Petrol previously cost less than SSP 10 per litre.

Not even food prices have been spared, with a bag of maize flour, which initially cost SSP160, now going for SSP220.

Numerous calls by citizens and the country’s lawmakers for president Salva Kiir to remove the caretaker governor have repeatedly been ignored.

(ST)