Lakes parliament advises to sack two officials over corruption

May 19, 2016 (RUMBEK) – A committee from the Western Lakes state legislative assembly has advised to relieve the heads of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Rumbek town clerk in the state over allegations of their involvement in the illegal collection of market taxes from traders in the town.

The assembly listed records revealing that the CID unit in the state and town clerk have been involved in illegal collection of taxes without previous authorization from the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Industry.

The members of parliament said the increase of taxes has contributed to the rising of local prices in the market.

Chairman of the ad hoc committee for Rumbek market assessment, Madhieu Makuac, said local traders were suffering from unauthorized taxes of which a loaded truck of 50 tons with item is taxed with 8000 South Sudanese pounds (SSP).

He said there were several road blocks which forced traders to increase prices on items upon arrival to Rumbek town.

Makuach said that “there is a lot of taxes in Rumbek town market like CID is taking 200 SSP and Town Council with 150sSP. Trade Union with 125 SSP and Public Health with 60 SSP, adding that a lorry loaded with 50 tons was taxed with 8000 SSP.”

He explained that the state parliament had therefore adopted a resolution for the dismissal of the officials of the CID and town clerk with effect from Thursday midnight.

“This sitting has passed the dismissal of Rumbek town clerk and director of CID in Western Lakes state for the safety of traders and the citizens,” he said.

(ST)