Authorities in Western Bahr el-Ghazal Sate on Wednesday closed three illegal checkpoints along the Wau, Tonj road.
This followed a state government’s assessment of the illegal roadblocks in Jur River County.
The officials said the move was part of the President’s order to remove all checkpoints being blamed for the skyrocketing cost of goods and services.
The State Governor, Sarah Cleto Rial, said the illegal checkpoints were having an impact on the citizens and the foreigners travelling on the highway.
“This is affecting our citizens because at every checkpoint, they collect money from the people, especially from the busses, thus affecting the citizens in the market,” said Rial.
“The aim of our visit here is to remove all checkpoints on this road up to Alur, which is the border with Warrap State,” said Rial.
“We are here in Kuajina and we have removed the shed and the pole that were being used as a road block. We are saying that all checkpoints should be removed,” she said.
The State Police Commissioner, Maj Gen Abendego Akol Ayuong, questioned the checkpoints, warning that any officer found blocking the road would face legal action.
“You are not doing your job. We have noticed that you are here collecting money from the traders, amounting to more than 20,000SSP. This information is being reported to us and the traders and the citizens are crying,” said Ayuong.
“The President has given us orders that there should be no check points. If we find that you have no letter assigning you to be here, we will deal with you,” he warned.
The State Coordinator for Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Stephen Robo Musa, welcome the closure of the checkpoints.
“On behalf of the civil society, I want to welcome the order removing all check points in Western Bahr el-Ghazal State, “said Musa.
Musa also appealed to the authorities to remove the checkpoints in other locations, including along Raja and Western Equatoria roads.
He called on the traders to use the opportunity to reduce the price of goods.