Residents in Wau town of Western Bahr el Ghazal state have expressed concern over the rising prices of goods in the markets due to Christmas.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, several residents said that prices of almost all the items had soared compared with what they used to be a few months back.
Martin Urbano Maker, one of the residents, said: “Prices in Wau are very high, the prices are high, clothes are more expensive, you cannot buy for a newborn baby at 10,000 SSP, and this is very difficult.”
Another resident, Rama John, said last year the prices of goods were a bit cheaper compared to this year. “My message to the traders is that, despite the challenges you encounter, please reduce the prices to the people. You should not work to get a big profit,” she said.
For his part, Santino Angok, a trader in Wau town, said: “The problem is with the government because there is no control over the US dollar rate in the black market and high taxations imposed on us by the customs department; this is why traders are increasing the prices.”
“Let the government regulate the US dollar rate so that the civilians get good prices, but the government is not doing enough. It keeps increasing the taxes,” he added.
When contacted, the chairperson for the chamber of commerce, Wol Charles, confirmed that the prices of essential goods have increased in Wau.
“For sure, there is an increase in the market, and the increase comes from high US dollar rates, but this is not only the problem. The road between South Sudan and Sudan is closed. We only depend on one way to Juba for goods. So this is why the prices are soaring,” Wol said.
The trader said they are working to ensure that prices are stable in the market.