The Government of Unity State spokesperson over the weekend announced the removal of 32 checkpoints between Mayom County and Bentiu headquarters, in implementation of the Governors’ Forum resolution last year.
Speaking to Radio Tamzju over the weekend, Unity State Information Minister Engineer Gatwich Bipal Both confirmed the removal of 32 checkpoints and said only three remain on the Bentiu-Mayom Road for security purposes. He said Governor Justice Riek Bim was concerned by the people’s complaints about too many checkpoints across Unity State.
Bipal said the decision is part of efforts to ease the movement of goods and services, enhance accessibility, and eliminate unlawful taxation.
“We have remained with the southern part of Unity State starting from Guit County up to Leer Town and all the checkpoints along that route will be removed in the next few days to come by the governor himself,” he stated. “Riverside checkpoints will also be demolished after Governor Justice Riek removes the roadblocks on the Southern part of Unity State.”
Minister Bipal added: “The 32 checkpoints that were demolished were put between Mayom and Bentiu by unidentified people who were taxing every vehicle.”
Meanwhile, the resident of Rubkona County, Kueth Koang, said that the removal of the 32 checkpoints is very important because they were contributing to commodity prices skyrocketing.
“I witnessed the demolition of the checkpoints on Friday when the governor started the removal of checkpoints from Bentiu town to Mayom County and only three checkpoints are remaining for security purposes,” he stated.