Higher taxes inflating market prices- traders

Traders in Juba have continued to lament over the high taxes which they have blamed on the soaring prices of commodities.

They cited the continued harassment by some Juba City Council revenue collectors and overlap in revenue collection as other reasons for high prices in Juba.

Abdullah Asha, a representative of traders in the Konyo Konyo market, said prices would go down once the authorities stop overcharging traders.

 “The continued fines and over-taxation being imposed on traders as well as the use of excessive force against us, are the reasons why food commodities and others are items so expensive,” Abdullah said.

He made the statement during a meeting between traders and Juba City Council officials on Wednesday.

The meeting was organised by Mayor Michael Lado Alla-jabu to listen to the concerns of the traders.

“The way they come to collect money from us is as if they are going to the war zone,” Abdullah added.

He said the traders are not aware of some of the taxes being imposed on them and called on the authorities to educate them on taxes.

Meanwhile, the representative of Uganda Traders in Juba, Matende Patrick, said that most of the Ugandan traders decide to return home because of a lack of cooperation between them and the authorities.

“We know very well that this time we are struggling including the government, but you have to give us time. Things will be fine for all of us,”Matende said.

Amurundi Abdullah, the Sudanese traders’ representative, said they were forced to build a permanent structure in a matter of days despite the economic crisis.

“At the same time, you need to lease the plot and buy the materials for building the permanent structure. This has given pressure to some traders, and they end up not reducing the prices for whatever they are selling, “Amurundi said.

Alla-jabu promised to form a committee to work on the complaints of the traders and come with resolutions.

He directed all the heads of departments in Juba City Council to work closely with the traders to avoid complaints and high prices of goods in the markets.