Citizens in Bor town of South Sudan’s Jonglei State have expressed their discontent about a new law taxing people aged from 18 to 65 in the state.
In late March, lawmakers passed a social service tax law to raise money for developmental activities. The new law requires the eligible people for payment of social service tax to pay 300 SSP per year.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, several Bor residents said the tax may end up in the hands of individual government officials.
Bor resident Mabil Mach said government should prioritize peace instead of taxes. “What the government is saying is not in place. Well, we may pay that amount if they need it for development. But government should prioritize peace because there will be no development without peace, “he said.
Another Bor resident who identified herself as Ayuen said they had gone for several months without pay so she cannot raise money for development.
“We will not pay that money because we are not working. Even those in the government are not paid for months. So where will we get money?” she asked.
But Bor resident Grace Ngok disagreed said community members should raise money for rehabilitation of roads, adding the state government should firstly fight against corruption.
Charles Manyang Awuol, the speaker for Jonglei State Legislative Assembly said every citizen in Jonglei must abide the new law.