Traders Threaten Protest over Demolition Decree

JUBA – Hundreds of Juba Jebel Korok market traders are threatening to stage demonstration against the demolition of the shops which is expected to take place on Monday.

The committee tasked by the traders yesterday to negotiate with the government to reach a possible solution before the bulldozers arrive to raze down the market on Monday, said they were urging the State authority to withdraw the decision until an agreement is reached.

The decree was issued by the Governor of Central Equatoria State Clement Wani Konga authorizing measures to be taken by the state demolition committee are as follows: demolition of Juba market and all squatters around the area, petrol stations near airport and residential areas, illegal structures such as Kusuk along the airport road, said John Mading the member of the committee.

Demolition of any structure left in University of Juba Campus, Hai Nyakama, opening of roads in Juba, Na-bari residential areas, return of plots grabbed to the rightful owners, re-allocation of squatters from Juba Technical, Juba Day, Buluk, Juba girls, Line Tumorogia and MTC to Gudele. These are the mentioned areas,” said Mading.

He added that establishment of two markets at Juba Na Bari residential area, removal of workshops or garage from Hai Malakal to Gumbo, from Lologo, Munuki to Korok, from Gudele to Mere Lotor, legalization of 100 shops in Korok market but not demolishing.

The governor decree emphasized on legalization of one hundred shops in Korok market and therefore the reverse of this decree to demolition is “illegal exercise”, and we shall fight for our right as citizens of this country, the traders declared.

“We call South Sudanese to be behind us claiming our right that is being abused.” He pointed that their shops were demolished in Custom last time and they were told to go to Korok market and the same government now wants to demolish it in Korok,” Tap Muong said.

Therefore to prevent any insecurity we request this unplanned demolition to be put on hold immediately until the governor returns to Juba from his mission, or until we reach understandable agreement on how this matter will be solved, said the committee.

The committee has informed the authorities about the matter.