Juba City Council (JCC) Mayor Christopher Serafino Wani on Sunday explained that the deployment of security forces in Konyokony and Custom markets in the city over the weekend was to restructure operations and to enforce a ban on street vending.
While addressing traders on Sunday evening, the mayor rubbished rumors on social media that there was insecurity in the markets and that the government was closing them.
“What happened in the Custom and Konyokonyo markets was simply an organization of vendors and a ban on street vending, as most vendors were displaying their goods in the streets, causing traffic accidents,” Mayor Swaka stated. “We are fully aware that living conditions are extremely difficult. People think that selling on the streets is better because everyone who passes by can see the goods, but organization and security are extremely important.”
“We have allocated spaces for vendors in the Konyokonyo and Custom markets,” he added.
The mayor urged traders to cooperate with the JCC to ensure safety and security in the markets. He explained that regulating markets ensures that traders are protected and that their clients are safe.
Swaka also pointed out that the use of electrical appliances outdoors with exposed electrical wires poses a significant risk to the lives of those present in markets.