South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The South Sudan National Revenue Authority (NRA) has officially begun constructing a new customs bonded warehouse office. This initiative marks a significant advancement in enhancing the country’s revenue collection infrastructure.
The project awarded to Zeregaber Trading and Construction Company is estimated to cost approximately $5 million and is expected to be completed within a year.
The facility, a three-storey structure (G+2), will serve as a storage and customs processing center for imported goods. It is designed to enhance the efficiency of handling, tracking, and securing goods entering the country through borders and international airports.
Speaking during the launch ceremony on Wednesday, NRA Commissioner General Simon Akuei Deng emphasized the strategic importance of the project.
“Today is a very important day for us; we are launching a project that represents the future of revenue administration,” said Deng. “This bonded warehouse will assist us in revenue collection and provide space for storing goods imported into South Sudan, whether by land or air. Bonded warehouses are crucial contributors to revenue.”
Deng noted that bonded warehouses play a key role in customs departments worldwide by facilitating trade and helping reduce revenue loss.
“If you look at other countries, bonded warehouses are a vital part of customs operations. They facilitate trade and secure goods, ultimately leading to increased revenue,” he added. “To be efficient in tax administration, we need proper facilities — and this warehouse is one of them.”
Deng highlighted the project’s potential to combat smuggling, a persistent issue undermining revenue collection.
“Smuggling threatens revenue administration. With a secure and well-managed warehouse, we can reduce theft and ensure that imported goods are processed and taxed correctly according to the law,” he explained. “This will improve inventory management and enhance government earnings from storage fees and customs duties.”
The NRA plans to expand the bonded warehouse network to other key locations, including trade routes between Juba and Nimule, Nadapal, and Kaya.
“This is just the beginning,” Deng said. “We intend to establish more bonded warehouses along major borders and trade corridors. Proper warehousing allows customs officials to accurately assess the value of goods, ensuring that both importers and the government benefit.”
Meanwhile, Bereket Samuel, the director of Zeregaber Trading and Construction Company, confirmed the project’s estimated cost and timeline.
“The total cost of the project is around $5 million,” said Samuel. “Construction will take one year, and we are committed to delivering the facility on schedule.”
The bonded warehouse is part of a broader strategy by the NRA to build physical infrastructure that strengthens South Sudan’s revenue systems and supports economic development.
