Authority confiscates goods, fines street vendors in Yei

Authorities in Yei have confiscated goods for traders in Yei-Luzira Street and fined them three hundred South Sudanese pounds after they were found selling on the streets, in violation of municipality by-laws.

Speaking to TCT on Tuesday morning, John Ponsiano Loro, the town block director said the vendors had been repeatedly told over radio to ensure that they vacate the street and move to the supermarket, but they failed to comply.

“We have taken a serious step against them. Most of the traders are selling on the road,” Mr. John said, adding that they organized an alternative place for them in the supermarket but the traders refused to move..

“This is the policy of the municipality to organize the town,” he said.

Mr Ponsiano says the tough step was taken as per the schedule passed by the municipal assembly to fine traders 300 SS pounds and the goods being returned to the owner.

However, the traders complained that an expensive selling place is hindering their move, especially low income traders. They added that the new place will not be enough for the many traders.

Joseph Moga, one of the street vendors who sells vegetables complained that the charge will contribute to loss.

“I have very few goods and they just charged me like that. I don’t think this will bring back my money,” he lamented.

Joyce Chandiru, another stranded trader says they were expelled from the street on several occasions but claims that no clear place has been identified for them.

Nevertheless, the director told the traders that the step taken against them does not mean the government rejects their activities, but was only meant to regularize their operations.

“We are not chasing them, but we need to organize them. Not on the road because on the road is prohibited,” he said.

He reiterated the authority’s commitment to keep traders away from selling on the road in any part of the block.