Residents of the Jonglei State capital, Bor town, have criticized the increment of boat transport fares between Bor and Lakes State’s Minkaman town.
The 3000 SSP increment was effected two weeks ago by boat operators citing rising fuel prices.
Several regular travellers told Radio Tamazuj that they had to stop movement.
Mabor Yuol, a resident, said most locals could not afford the increased fare. “This increase is not good because some of us travel to Minkaman to bring food,” he added. “So, spending 3,000 SSP and more money coming back is a loss.”
Another Bor resident, Elizabeth Aluel, said people cross the Nile to get relief food and that it is cheaper to buy food in the market with the increased fare.
“People go to Minkaman to sign vouchers for food rations. The money on the voucher is less, and if you calculate the transport fare and go to the market to buy goods, there is a loss,” she said.
For his part, Elijah Thongbor Abraham, the secretary-general for the Jonglei Boats’ Union, said they increased the fares because fuel prices shot up.
“Last year, we were forced to drop from 3000 SSP to 2500 SSP, but now there is no way, and on 16 July, we increased the fare to 3000 SSP again,” he explained. “The reason is that a jerrycan of fuel now costs 30,000 SSP, and a boat consumes at least two jerrycans per trip.”
“We are not making profits because nowadays we get about 60 passengers, not 100 as it used to be,” he added.