South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The government of Central Equatoria State has reached an agreement with water tank suppliers to sell a drum of water at 4,000 SSP, following a sit down protest by water tank drivers opposed to the decision of the authorities fixing the price at 2500 SSP.
The Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State, Paulino Lukudu , said in a statement that the latest decision was made after consultations with affected citizens, water tank drivers, and the governor.
“We are reaffirming our commitment to ensure Juba is connected to clean piped water. Water will be sold in Juba city and its surrounding areas at a unified price of 4,000 SSP per barrel,” he said.
Lukudu explained that the price adjustment considered various factors, including fuel cost, lubricants, spare parts and wages for drivers and assistants, as well as related taxes.
He also noted that many residents have faced exploitation from water tank drivers.
Lukudu urged the national government to support Central Equatoria State by providing them with 200 water tanks to sell water at more affordable prices.
He highlighted that water is not only a national security concern but also a political and diplomatic issue, requiring careful consideration of bilateral relations with neighboring countries while maintaining the state’s sovereignty.
Last week, the Executive Director for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani called on the government to intervene and solve the water crisis in the city.
The Mayor of Juba City Council, Johnson Swaka, announced in September, new prices for a drum of water, cutting it from SSP 5,000 to SSP 2,500 within the city and SSP 3,000 in the outskirts.
Swaka argued that the decision was reached in consultation with urban water corperation and water tank suppliers.
However, many residents reported that suppliers are still charging the original price of 5,000 SSP per drum.
In September, the transitional national legislative assembly summoned all the relevant institutions concerning water supply, including the South Sudan urban water corporation, the ministry of water resources and irrigation, the governor of Central Equatoria State, Augustino Jadallah Wani, and the Mayor of Juba City Council.
