Jonglei state government on Thursday resolved to suspend river transport between Bor town and Minkaman, a displaced camp in Awerial County over increased transportation fees by the Jonglei Boat Union, giving them a 72-hour ultimatum to reconsider its decision.
The move follows a decision taken by the state motor boat owners to increase the boat fares from 400 SSP to 700 SSP for a one-way trip per passenger.
Mamer Agot Thiong, Chairperson for Boat Union, told Radio Tamazuj on Friday that the increment in the boat fares is due to an increase in fuel charges and fuel shortage.
“What happened, why there are no people travelling today, is that there is fuel shortage in Jonglei state and we are buying a 20 litre of fuel at 12, 000 SSP,” he said.
Mamer further said the union is in consultation with the government to agree on new fees. He noted that majority of the people who frequent the route are internally displaced people living in Awerail County.
Mary Atong, a passenger who came from Mareng village and others, said they were stranded at the shores of the River due to the government suspension.