By Yiep Joseph
Central Equatoria State (CES) security committee meeting has directed the Mayor of Juba City to intensify inspections of the markets to ensure proper waste disposal.
The directives were made during a security meeting chaired by Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani, the Governor of Central Equatoria State.
“The Security Committee directed the Mayor of Juba City Council to intensify routine field inspections of city markets. This includes ensuring proper waste management and addressing immoral activities such as prostitution and drug use in areas like Rujal Mafi (Atlabara) and Jebel Market,” the statement partly read.
According to the statement extended to the media, several other key resolutions aimed at addressing the ongoing security challenges across the state were passed.
Leon Abe Brown, State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency, addressed the media, stating that among the critical issues discussed during the meeting was the reinforcement of the gubernatorial order banning the sale and consumption of illicit alcoholic spirits, locally known as jenna fa’ar.
The committee outlined strategies to combat the illegal production and distribution of these harmful substances and emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers of consuming them.
Meanwhile, after the meeting, the Security Committee, led by Governor Jadalla, conducted a field tour of Sector One in Munuki Block, near the Jamus playground and Munuki Police Station.
Hon. Abe stated that the purpose of the visit was to familiarize security committee members with the security situation in the area, assess operations at the police station, and build civil-military relations.
The committee also visited the Hai Gezira residential area in Munuki Block B to inspect ongoing efforts to open access roads within the community, as part of broader plans to enhance service delivery to local residents.
Last year, Governor Jadalla conducted a field visit to inspect factories to familiarize himself with the production process and reinforce the implementation of the ban he had issued a week prior.
According to a statement issued by Central Equatoria State’s acting Minister of Information and Communication, Gerald Francis, the crackdown will continue until the current stock is wiped out from circulation.
“Within one week, we do not want to see any gin in the market,” said Francis.
He stated that any trader found to be in possession of the prohibited gin in his or her stall, and who resists the directives from security authorities conducting the operations, will be dealt with according to the law.
“Our security agencies are making great efforts, and they should intensify their operations in confiscating the illegal gin identified by the ban, and anyone resisting the orders should be dealt with by the law,” he added.
However, the Minister clarified that beverages and other alcoholic drinks, such as beer and wine, are exempted from the Governor’s order.r of the governor.