By Kidega Livingstone
United South Sudan Party (USSP) has called for immediate closure of AK Ice factory located within residential area of Juba’s Nabari Northern Zone, citing serious concerns raised by the local residents.
According to the party’s spokesperson, Nyarsuk Patrick James, the residents have expressed grave concerns over the environmental impact and health risks associated with the factory’s operations within the area.
In a press statement, James revealed that the Director of Juba Block Council had previously ordered the closure of the factory on April 22, 2024, based on the findings of an investigation committee.
However, the Mayor of Juba City Council later ordered the factory to be reopened on May 20, 2024, raising questions among the residents about the violation of the Constitution of South Sudan.
“The factory resumed operations without addressing the serious concern raised in the area of environmental and health-related risks. Now we demand the immediate closure of the factory again to safeguard the well-being and safety of residents in the area,” said Patrick.
The USSP has urged the relevant authorities, including the Governor of Central Equatoria State, the Minister of Environment and Forestry, and the Chairperson of the National Bureau of Standards, to conduct a thorough environmental audit of not only the AK factory but also all the factories operating within the residential areas of Juba.
“We urged the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough environmental audit of not only the AK factory but also all the factories operating within the residential area in Juba to assess their compliance with environmental regulations and their impacts on the surrounding area,” said Patrick.
The party has expressed its solidarity with the Juba Nabari community and the entire residents of Juba, where factories are operating, calling for their safety and a sustainable living environment.
“We stand in solidarity with the community of Juba Nabari and the entire residents of Juba where these factories are operating for their calls for safety and a sustainable living environment,” he said.
Attempts made by this outlet to get comments from the office of the Mayor and AK Ice Company were futile by press time.