Livio Bahara, mayor of Wau town in South Sudan’s Western Bahr al Ghazal says he has activated two orders to ban the sale of fuel from barrels and jerrycans in an attempt to ensure safety of citizens.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, the mayor announced tough measures against violators of the decision, saying penalties may include imprisonment or closure of businesses.
The reactivation of the order came after members of civil society organizations in Wau town criticized the procedures followed in the sale and transportation of fuel in the state. Some people reportedly keep fuel in residential areas while others transport it randomly to neighboring states by motorcycles and trucks.
Last month, a fuel tanker exploded in Maridi town in Western Equatoria State, killing hundreds of people. This has raised concern to improve regulations in neighboring Western Bahr al Ghazal.