Excitement as new coins hit W. Bahr el Ghazal markets
August 19, 2015 (WAU) – An aura of excitement engulfed citizens in South Sudan’s Western Bahr el Ghazal state as the newly-introduced coins hit markets for the first time.
The state minister of finance, Lilian Rizik said all commercial banks operating in the region were given some amounts of coins to enhance circulation of the new currency.
“I hope that the circulation of coins started yesterday in the markets, all commercial banks which are here have received [the coins],” Rizik told reporters on Wednesday.
“The fact of the matter is that if you use this money because it is less, it will help,” she added.
The minister urged traders to make good use of the coins, which are in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 piasters.
“It will help more because once you will not be paying 2 pounds or 2 and half pounds or they will be something for 3 and half pounds in the market,” stressed Rizik.
The coins bearing state symbols and the portrait of South Sudan’s former leader, John Garang were introduced on 9 July as the nation marked it’s fourth independence anniversary.
(ST).