Traders blame high prices on road blocks

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Traders in Wau blame skyrocketing prices on too many road blocks charging a lot of money.
 
Another cause of high prices of commodities is the ever-increasing exchange rate of the US Dollars against South Sudanese Pounds, Radio Voice of Hope reports.
 
Traders say they pay taxes twice as Aweil collects and so does Wau.
 
Mabior Ayom Ayom, a trader in Wau Market says the cost of goods begins to increase right from the border of Sudan with many checkpoints demanding payment.
 
He adds that many South Sudanese only trade in foreign currencies such US Dollars, which increases scarcity of goods.
 
Abdahalla Ibrahim, a trader in Jaw market says the prices of commodities could be reduced during rainy season if goods were stored.
 
But, constant breaking of shops and high costs of rent are threats to traders, he says.
 
Mel Aleu Goc, Wau Municipality Mayor says parties affected by skyrocketing prices are the civil population and the government.
 
He says traders always complain when government demands more money while they increase prices without consulting authorities.
 
Mayor Aleu says some traders disobey orders of the government.
 
Akol Majok Rok, Wau State Minister of Finance says the cabinet has resolved to remove some checkpoints to reduce prices.
 
The state government will give some dollars to traders to provide goods if it receives its share from the national government, he says.
 
He adds that a specified number of security personnel will be deployed in checkpoints for safety reasons.
 
Wau State Director-General in the Ministry of Finance urges traders to reject any illegal payment without form 15.