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RENK - 26 Feb 2013

Renk river transport tax dispute threatens returnees’ travel

Returnees could be left stranded if an ongoing tax dispute which has halted river transport in Renk county continues, warn transport companies in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State.

The head of Renk county’s South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRC) in Renk County, Santino Padiat, said that companies in charge of transporting the returnees have complained of high taxes and licensing costs for vehicles which threatens the process of repatriation for returnees.

“All the land trips are ceased now due to such complaints,” Padiat added.

He revealed that the authorities in Renk demanded that the International Organization for Migration (IOM), who are responsible for facilitating the process, pay 15,000 South Sudanese Pounds (approximately $3750USD) instead of 7000SSP in tax for every trip.

The IOM has responded by saying that it intends to use its vehicles to transport the returnees, acknowledging the obstacles they are facing as part of the repatriation process but reiterating their commitment to transporting the returnees to their respective states.

South Sudanese people began making the challenging return journey prior to the referendum for independence in January 2011.  However, the process has suffered many operational and political set-backs meaning that many are still stranded in camps or in other challenging circumstances waiting for assistance.

Photo: a barge convoy arrives at Juba Port from Malakal on 31 July 2012 (IOM)