Deng Daniel, chairperson of the Nimule Clearing Agents and Freight Forwarders Association (NCAFFA), stated that traders are unable to reduce their goods because to roadblock charges along the Juba-Nimule Highway and currency devaluation.
The NCAFFA chairperson spoke with The City Review exclusively after their National South Sudan Clearing Agents and Freight Forwarders Association meetings in Juba, where he lamented the difficulties of traders.
“The daily increase in dollar exchange rates, the number of unofficial checkpoints, the high taxation, and the state of the country’s road infrastructure make it difficult for traders to reduce the prices of their goods,” stated Mr. Daniel.
“There are multiple checkpoints along the Juba-Nimule Road, and traders or transporters cannot pass without paying anything to those at the checkpoints.
He claimed that this pushed traders to raise their prices in order to recoup their losses at the checkpoints.
According to Deng, the country would not see a fall in commodity prices unless the government takes significant action to clear away unauthorized checkpoints where shops were overcharged and improve dollar exchange rates.
The agent’s official also stated that obtaining dollars from the black market at abnormal prices has made it harder for dealers to cut their product prices due to the daily increase.
“Our government can improve road infrastructure services, especially major highways like the Nimule-Juba Road and others that connect South Sudan with neighboring countries.” Mr. Daniel also urged the government to reframe unnecessary regulations and implement them quickly, as there is no awareness for both traders and clearing agents to understand their purpose.
