Licenses to be withdrawn from water drivers who defy fixed price order

By Awan Achiek

The Governor of Central Equatoria State Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani recently ordered the Juba City Council to withdraw the license of water tank drivers who refuse to sell at the price fixed by authorities.

In October 2024, Juba City Council announced a new price for a drum of water, cutting it from SSP 5,000 to SSP 2,500 within the city and 3,000 SSP in the outskirts.

The decision was reached in consultation with urban water cooperation and water suppliers as well.

However, many residents reported that suppliers are still charging 5,000 SSP.

Speaking during the swearing in of the newly appointed officials on Saturday, Gen. Jadalla ordered Juba City Council to revoke the operation license of water suppliers defying orders to reduce prices of water.

“If somebody doesn’t want to work, we just take the license and let him pack the tanker. Because we are not going to be mean to those people. And I also want our people to know their rights,” said Jadalla.

“Now, those who have resources, they are calling the water tankers and they pay the price that the water tankers need. And this is a violation,” he added.

He ordered the Juba City Council to enforce the new order, reducing prices from SSP 5,000 to SSP 2,500 per drum.

“The issue of waste management and water. His lordship the Mayor came with scientific analysis and came out with prices, but the resistance, but we as a people of this country, we need to enforce our laws to be respected,” said Jadalla.

For his part, Thiik Thiik Mayardit, Deputy Mayor for Administration and Finance promised not to let down the people of South Sudan.

“I want to tell you that, with my assignment, I will take it up with all my strength, I’m not going to let down the people of South Sudan,” said Thiik.