By Adia Jildo
The price of meat has risen as Muslim celebrate Eid-El-Fitr amidst increase in price of cattle. Locals in Juba complained on butchers’ highest sale of meat and chicken during Eid which affected town residents.
Some of the locals and town venders who had spoken to No.1 Citizen Daily Newspaper said market of other food stuffs have dropped leaving only a few shops opened.
One of the butchers, Hamad Abdalgadir Haba said the sales of meat have been the best ever since the beginning of the year despite the economic hardship and difficulties due to the increased price of cattle which brought low sales every day.
“Today has brought me good news, and I wish it is like this always. It’s the best day out of all days. I was able to sell a huge amount making 250 kilograms of meat,” he said.
“I pray that this country become peaceful, and the economy to be stable so that this country can look forward to building its future,” he added.
He said the country’s economy had been affecting the sales which he does not know when it would be solved.
Hamad expressed his joy and wished all South Sudanese a happy Eid.
Ali Mohammed Ibrahim, also a butcher expressed his gratitude with his butcher having only a little left to sell since the most had been bought already.
“I have been here since morning selling this meat. I am grateful that I have made sales and all that is left is small that I can either take it home nor keep it in the fridge,” he said.
Ali who sells about 120 kilograms daily said he was able to sell 200 kilograms and he is left with little for the first time.
Diana Yowosa, a Kisira (paper food) seller however said the Eid celebration has affected her because the food prices are high.
“Things are expensive that’s why I did not get this Eid good. If things are relatively cheap then we shall celebrate it,” she said.
She said the expenses in the market have led to drop in the sales of goods.
Esther John a vendor at the market in Libya who sells millet said there been a drop in the market as well.
“A sack of millet containing 6 buckets (Jerdel) costs 11,000 South Sudanese pounds. You will stay at times from morning to evening and a time you will be able to make sales of only 2,000 South Sudanese pounds,” she said.
He called on the government to strengthen the military personnel who will protect and prevent cattle from farms lands for a strong food security.
“We want a tight security where you will be able to go to your farm, plant and get something to feed your family to feed on,” she said.
She called on the government to pay civil servants in order for businesses to strive.
“If a person earns, he or she can be able to come to the market to buy food staffs, which is a source of our income but if there is nothing, how will we have it,” she stressed.