Buyers and sellers from South Sudan’s Yei River State town are flocking to Ombaci market in Otogo County to purchase locally produced goods, buyers and local officials said.
Several buyers in the market told Radio Tamazuj last week that locally produced crops were being sold at cheap and affordable prices compared to Yei town where prices have tripled.
The market comprises of farmers and business people selling beans, fresh maize, fresh cassava, vegetables and legumes, among other items.
Charity Leyo, a buyer, said that food prices in the market were affordable to poor families. “I came over to the market and I bought some fresh cassava at only 20 SSP, and I also bought a bucket of cassava flour at 150 SSP and many other vegetable far much better compared to prices in the town,” said Leyo.
She added, “I am so happy and I am calling on the government to improve on the security situation so that buyers continue coming here to improve businesses in this rural market”.
The county commissioner, Anthony Ande said the market was opened by authorities following the improved security situation.
He said the market was reopened to bring businesses and services closer to the people.
“We opened two markets, one in Morsak payam and Ombaci payam on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. I can see many people with cars coming from Yei to buy local produces like grains and vegetables. I opened these markets to help people conduct businesses without challenges in these old locations,” he said.
Ombaci market is located about 15 miles southwest of Yei town.