Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Juba City Council has threatened to confiscate private water boozers and “give them to the community” amidst growing tension between city authorities and water suppliers.
On Wednesday, water tanker drivers laid down their tools in protest of the unilateral decision by the council to slash service fees charged to customers.
Juba City lacks piped water and relies heavily on private vendors to deliver this essential commodity to residents’ doorsteps.
“We (City Council) have the power to confiscate them (water boozers) and give them to the local community to run the business,” said City Mayor Michael Allah Jabu.
The dispute came about after the council, in collaboration with a foreign aid organization, established six water collection points in residential areas in Juba.
As a result, water supplies were ordered to slash the service fee by half, from SSP1,000 to SSP500, per tank.
However, the decision did not sit well with the vendors, who cited the high fuel cost and suggested that the council consult with them before making a final decision.
Unable to reach a compromise, the vendors staged a “go slow’ leading to the paralysis of the water supply in most parts of the city.
But Allah Jabu insists that the price must come down, even daring the investors, mostly foreigners, to ‘pack and go back to their homes’.
”Anyone who closes their shop should close it for good, especially those who are stopping their water tankers; or go with your water tankers to your country,’’ added the Mayor.
Currently, each water tanker pays SSP 3000 to Urban Water Cooperation for charges per trip.
Additionally, the vendors are required to pay the operators, who are also required to pay additional levies like health and attire.
Source: The City Review South Sudan
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