Authorities are offering hard currency exchange to traders willing to operate in the town of Bor, which lies in the frontline state Jonglei. The dollars are intended to assist the traders bring goods from foreign countries such as Uganda and Kenya.
The town changed hands four times from December to January, after soldiers of the SPLA Division 8 defected. It is defended by joint Ugandan UPDF and South Sudanese SPLA troops.
Bor Mayor Nhial Majak Nhial told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday they are giving dollars in exchange to traders who have the capability to bring goods and sell them in Jonglei.
Apparently the offer is made to certain traders, but not all. The mayor explained that the availability of goods in Bor markets would encourage the civil population on the opposite bank of the Nile in Lake state to return to their respective areas.
Nhial noted also that authorities have initiated the cleaning of Marol market, which was devastated likely either by shelling or aerial bombardment.
“Up to now I am still working on the total numbers of shops burnt down during the conflict in Bor market and I will let you know the figures,” he said.
He further emphasized that the state is calm and this has allowed some businessmen to set up some small shops in the Marol market.
Photo: A shot of Bor town during a trip for media organized by the South Sudanese army one day after the recapture of the town, 19 January 2013 (VRT/Rudi Vranckx)