Trucks carrying commodities and other goods have started arriving in Panyagoor town, the headquarters of Twic East County in Jonglei State, from the state capital Bor for the first time in three years after flood waters ebbed.
Residents and officials in Panyagoor have often complained about food and drug shortages because floods rendered the county inaccessible by road since 2020.
Ayuen Kur Ajok, the deputy secretary-general of the chamber of commerce in the state, told Radio Tamazuj Tuesday that two trucks loaded with goods had arrived in Panyagoor since the road became passable last week.
“Over the past 3 years, we only accessed Panyagoor by air but last week some of our businessmen hired two Ural trucks and supplied goods to Panyagoor,” he said. “The goods include sugar, beans, cooking oils, and other groceries.”
Kur said the business community will use the opportunity offered by the dry road conditions to stock up Panyagoor with goods before the next rains start. He said the reopening of the main supply route would help in supplying the town and reducing the high commodity prices.
Meanwhile, Deng Maluil, a resident of Panyagoor town, said prices are still high despite the arrival of trucks filled with goods.
“On Saturday, we received two rucks with goods. People were very happy to see the trucks in the town after 3 years,” he said. “The problem is that prices have not even gone down.”
On his part, Deng Mabeny, the Twic East County commissioner, confirmed the resumption of vehicular movement along the road.
“This road reopened a week ago after some WFP trucks assess it to see if it will be possible for them to supply relief food,” he said. “Two heavy trucks then arrived with goods from Bor. However prices are still high but I think by mid-March, prices will go down because we will have received many trucks with goods by that time.”