The authorities at the Torit Municipal Council in Eastern Equatoria State have given a one-month ultimatum for all traders operating within the town to obtain trading licenses.
The ultimatum commenced on Monday the 2 October and will end on 30 October.
According to officials, many traders in Torit town are operating without licenses making it difficult to ascertain the number of traders in the market.
The chief executive officer at Torit Municipal Council, Max Yousif Khalafala, said the exercise is to enable the government to recognize and protect traders, besides allowing the government to generate revenue for development.
“Anyone who does business must have a trading license according to the law. There is a percentage the government takes from you because you operate in its area and the money from licensing will provide services like security, sanitation, roads and will bring about development of roads or renovation of government buildings and monitoring and evaluation among others,” he said. “The government does not currently have capital that is there is nothing that looks new in Torit. The new things you see are the works of NGOs. The little resources the state government has is used for security which as you know is a priority.”
“If there is security and stability, then resources will be attracted and translate into development,” Khalafala added.
For her part, Christine Imoya, a hairdresser who runs a beauty salon in Torit’s main market, encouraged traders to pay for and acquire trading licenses to avoid inconveniences and to get services from the government.
“The importance of this license is that it will help you operate your business in confidence, the government will not disturb you and you will be comfortable,” she advised. “Also, some organizations can help you when you are legally registered.”
Another trader identified as Gisma Awoye who runs a tea place, said she is saving up money to pay for her license.
“I have not got my license but I will get it soon when I get some money because it will help protect me and my business of selling tea and food,” she said. “I encourage every trader to get a license for safe operation of their business. Your place should not be closed.”