Minister Seeks Support In Border Management

The South Sudanese Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment is asking for support to boost the government’s efforts in managing its borders with the neighbouring countries.

The South Sudanese Minister of Commerce Garang Diing Akuong. [Gurtong| File]

JUBA , 06 September 2012  - Garang Diing Akuong told press in Juba that South Sudan government authorities operating at the borders lack technical support to efficiently deliver services.

“We need technical support and assistance in terms of establishing scanners at the borders. Because as of now we are receiving a lot of containers through the borders but sometimes our staff at the border do not know what is in the containers,” he said.
He said due to absence of scanners, unwanted and unauthorized goods are likely to enter the country and endanger human life.
“There are reports that there are drugs in Juba, guns, pistols these things are being smuggled to South Sudan through the containers. And because of the absence of scanners our officials hardly detect them,” Garang added.
He spoke to the press after a meeting with the UK Ambassador to Juba. The closed-door meeting discussed possibilities on how to improve trade and investment in the infant nation.
The Minister also pointed out poor roads connectivity that still hinders trade in the country. He said despite the main high way Juba-Nimule road having tarmac, the Ugandan side of the road is still a problem though the Uganda’s government is taking efforts to repair it.
He mentioned the Juba-Yei-Koboko and Juba-Kajokeji-Moyo roads linking South Sudan to East Africa through Uganda as roads that need comprehensive plan to re-construct them so as to boost the economy.
He also sought for the establishment of weighing bridges at the borders so as to measure all trucks entering the country importing various goods. He said the move will help government know the trucks carry appropriate weights