The Director of Traffic Police in Western Equatoria State, Maj Gen Hussein Girisi, has pledged to enhance road safety and protect lives in Yambio and the surrounding areas.
Speaking to the media in Yambio town on Wednesday, Girisi outlined a series of measures aimed at reducing accidents, particularly around schools, hospitals and public spaces like the Yambio Freedom Square. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the vulnerable groups, including children, who were often at risk due to reckless driving and inadequate road infrastructure.
“We are committed to protecting the lives of students, pupils, and the general public by addressing the high rate of accidents in critical areas. Plans are underway to implement measures that will ensure safety in these zones,” said Girisi.
In addition to road safety, Girisi confirmed an increase in traffic-related charges, as directed by the National Traffic Police Headquarters in Juba. The directive, issued by Maj Gen Akot Akot, includes higher fees for items such as logbooks, license plates, and driving licenses.
“We received a letter from the National Traffic Police Headquarters dated November 7, 2024, instructing us to implement the new charges effective Monday, November 11, 2024,” he stated.
The directive cited the rising cost of operations due to the depreciation of the South Sudanese pound against the dollar, with the exchange rate now exceeding SSP500,000 to the dollar.
“These adjustments are necessary to sustain our operations and ensure the delivery of quality services to the public,” Girisi explained.
The director called on the community to comply with the new measures, aimed at ensuring public safety and supporting the state’s efforts to maintain order on the roads.
Girisi reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the safety and the well-being of the Western Equatoria residents.