Traders at the market in the town of Yei have raised security concerns at the market, saying they have lost business after gunmen broke into 48 shops over the past two months.
They said this during a meeting with county authorities to discuss security issues on Friday. The traders also said multiple taxes and closure of roads is another a challenge in the market.
A trader, who identified himself as Ahmed, told Radio Tamazuj that armed gangs are plaguing traders working in the market in Yei, pointing out that many traders decided to go to Juba.
Regina Karaba, a business woman in Yei, said the government was focusing on tax collection instead of addressing lawlessness and insecurity in the market.
For his part, Yei River County commissioner, Justin Lokonga admitted that there are challenges facing the traders in the market.
He said the county government is working to address some of the challenges. “We have started to set up some police posts in the market and also conduct night patrols to prevent criminals from breaking into trader’s shops,” he said.