The Juba City Council has ordered traders in Konyo Konyo market to relocate to another new market location across the Nile River. Authorities have begun removing stalls and preparing ground for handover to a private investor.
Radio Miraya reported on Tuesday that the market is being shifted to Gumbo area in Rajaf Payam across the bridge, and that the transfer process began five days ago and some traders are resisting the move.
The traders say they are not willing to shift, complaining the 15 day deadline was too short. Some of them also argue the new site identified by the City Council is too far.
One trader said, “There is no security there, people may come there and you will be killed at night.”
Another trader who already transferred, however, said he appreciated the new location: “In Konyo-konyo we were squeezed and there was a lot of commotion, especially with the wheelbarrow people. The new market is good. We enjoy it – it is bigger and will be okay.”
Juba City Council authorities say the land has already been allocated to an investor and the traders must leave. City Council Clerk Joselito Yoach Kulang explained, “The place where they are now, they were told to evacuate. They want to construct the place to high buildings that will accommodate banks and other offices.”
File photo: Konyo Konyo market