By Yang Ater Yang
The chairperson of chamber of commerce in Lakes state told the No.1 Citizen Daily Newspaper that the high rates of US dollar has contributed to high prices of goods in the market.
Mr. Martin Meen Dut said one hundred US dollars is currently exchanged at sixty five (65,000) thousands South Sudanese Pounds which can explained that the prices of goods are very expensive quoting that a bag of 50 KG of maize flour has increased from 32,000 SSP to 45,000 SSP in Rumbek market adding that the business people also raised issues of food commodities which had become a problem in the state.
The chairperson of the chamber of commerce is calling upon the national government to control dollars in the black markets so that traders will stop the increase of prices daily.
Mr. Dut, revealed that the business people are facing so many challenges especially local business people, women and youths, they need response from the government.
“The issue of manifold taxes is affecting business,” he lamented.
He said the traders are helping in the communities, and they are also contributing to the economy of this country. “We need the government of Lakes state to set good system in order to favor the local and national business community.
“I observed that most of the shops are being occupied by foreigners so they need government to set proper system that can empower them to achieve their rights to protect the business people wherever they are operating in this state.
He appealed to the state government to empower women and youths because they are facing a lot of problems.
“I wish them to be considered by being given the capital and trainings on business skills,” he said.
He concluded that “we need to create a conductive environment for our citizens by reducing taxes on licenses and among other things.”
Meanwhile, a businessman who resides in Rumbek market identified as Anur Lueth Lat said the issue of dollar had affected the local produce because “when you come to market with local fruits and sell in low price to customers, in turn, we get to buy food items brought from outside South Sudan in high prices which you cannot afford.”
He urged the government to use our taxes to be returned to us by opening markets, roads and constructing more market space.
Yom Macuar Bol said “as women we are suffering because the last 7 years back during communal conflicts in Lakes state, we had double responsibilities in our home and the husbands were loitering because of fear, we were the ones looking for food to feed children, health, and education through hawkers’ trade on local products.”
He appealed to government to engage partners to provide vocational training centers to improve resilience.