Central Equatoria Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development on Wednesday opened more Cooperative shops in Juba after inaugurating the first shop a week ago.in Konyo Konyo Market.
Minister Michael Tongun Martin opened the second Coop shop in Malakia and third in Jebel markets respectively, Bakhita Radio reported.Mr Tongun said the purpose of the cooperative shops was to reduce price burden on the citizens of Juba.
He announced that his ministry in conjunction with the suppliers were going to open seven more shops in Juba and extend the initiative to the six counties of Central Equatoria beginning with Terekeka.
Mr Tongun said Central Equatoria Chamber of Commerce complained why it was not informed or included in the exercise.
He answered that South Sudan operates under a free economy where supply and demand determine the market, not the government.
Mr Tongun advised anybody interested, including members of Central Equatoria Chamber of Commerce, to avail themselves for incorporation into the activities of cooperation.
Mr Tongun revealed that the two suppliers are South Sudanese not foreigners.
He said the cooperative shops are 30 to 40 percent cheaper than common markets.