Citizens of Lakes State are decrying the high cost of basic commodities while traders blame the hike in prices to the foreign currency factor, particularly the US dollar.
Good News Radio caught up with a consumer and a trader who best illustrated the reality of the high cost of living in Rumbek.Abraham Mapuor Mathiang confirmed the increase in the prices of basic goods, giving the example of maize floor cost 50 percent more in a couple of weeks.
He lamented the scarcity of food items in the local market, wondering whether the traders are hiding goods or if the goods have become so expensive that the suppliers cannot afford keeping stocks.
Mr. Mapuor said even the health sector was affected and medicines’ prices are skyrocketing.
He added that life is becoming unaffordable for many people.
Trader Samuel Soro explained that the Sudanese Pound has lost value against the US Dollar, the main foreign currency used for importing goods, and prices hiked due to currency exchange rates.
He said prices also went up in the countries of origin because East African currencies lost value against the Dollar.
Mr. Soro blamed also increased taxation on goods.
He expressed confidence that South Sudan government would lower taxes, eliminate checkpoints and avail US Dollars to traders in order to bring prices down.
Prices are increasing all over South Sudan because its economy depends almost from external suppliers who are paid in hard currency.