The water bottling industry was urged to stabilise prices and increase production in the ten states of the country.
Undersecretary in the National Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Simon Nyang Anei held a meeting with bottled water industry managers on Tuesday evening at the ministry to discuss a number of issues including prices, Bakhita Radio reported.Mr Nyang told the press at the end of the meeting that the ministry wants the 600 millilitre bottles to be sold at one Pound and the 1.5 litre at two Pounds.
He said the ministry also encouraged the bottled water industry to open plants in the ten states to increase production and export to the neighbouring countries including Sudan.
Mr Nyang said the companies agreed to cooperate and blamed traders who tend to increase prices to boost profits.
He said security personnel will talks with retailers to keep prices down.
Director General for Grades and Standard Mary Gordon said the water bottled in South Sudan was safe and met required standards and the all plants have laboratories to test the water they produce.
She added that the factories need to seal bottles to avoid counterfeit.
Ms Gordon said labelling should follow international standards to allow the water produced in South Sudan to be exported.
The undersecretary urged the bottled water industry to start planning to establish plants in Ramciel, the new capital city.