By Bosco Bush
Juba County authority has issued a stern warning to vendors operating along main roads, threatening severe penalties, including fines, for those who continue to defy the order.
The warning comes after a joint inspection conducted last Saturday by the Commissioner of Juba County, the Director of Public Order, and the Director of Rajaf Payam to reorganize markets and improve public safety within the county.
Martin Morris Gore, Director of Rajaf Payam, expressed concern over the increasing number of vendors who have abandoned designated market centers to sell along roads in the Gumbo area.
He said this practice poses a risk to both vendors and road users.
“Today is a warning, but from Monday, if you’re caught selling on the roads, you will face a fine,” said Gore.
Emmanuel Tete, Commissioner of Juba County urged traders to stop selling goods along roadsides, emphasizing that roads are intended for the movement of vehicles and transportation of goods and services.
“Roads are not meant for selling goods but for the movement of cars and transport,” he said. “We will continue inspecting markets to ensure that people no longer sell on the roads.”
Tete also highlighted plans to verify the medical certification of restaurant workers in local markets aiming to prevent the spread of diseases such as cholera within the county.
Addressing the media, Simon Pitia Wani, Director of Public Order in Juba County condemned roadside vending stressing the government’s collective efforts to continue the inspection and reorganization of market centers within Juba County.
The officials said they are determined to reorganize markets and enhance public safety as part of broader efforts to regulate trade in the county.
This appeal was made ahead of the Christmas celebrations