Eastern Equatoria authorities appealed to the business community to consider lowering prices to make commodities affordable to the poor and unemployed.
State deputy governor Nartisio Manir Lolukei urged traders during a meeting not to use over taxation as an excuse to exploit poor citizens.
Mr. Manir emphasizes that taxes were meant to improve services that include security and food.
He recognized that his department faced financial constraints.
Mr. Manir said the state and county authorities together with the business community should formulate better mechanisms to reduce corrupt tax collection and regulate commodity prices while ensuring the state got the necessary financial resources.
During the meeting, the leader of foreign traders from Uganda and Kenya, Kibizi Livingstone, pointed out that they pay more than ten taxes on their way from the border up to Torit town.
Mr. Kibizi citied loopholes in tax collection mechanisms, saying it was crippled by corruption practices with multiple individuals demanding different taxes.