Water Prices in Juba Spike by 50% Due to Rising Production Costs

Reasons Behind the Price Hike

• The Water Abstraction Company Association Group has increased water prices by 50% in Juba.
• This hike is attributed to the high cost of production, including electricity and water purification chemicals.
• The rising exchange rate of the U.S. dollar has also impacted the cost of production.

Impact on Consumers

• Consumers in Juba now face almost double the initial price imposed by private water distribution companies.
• A 30-drum tanker truck that used to sell at SSP28,000 is now SSP42,000.
• A tanker truck with a capacity of 15 drums that initially sold at SSP13,000 is now SSP21,000.
• This represents a 50% hike in less than two months.

Concerns and Reactions

• SSUWC Director Yar Paul Kuol emphasized that selling water at the previous price would lead to operational losses.
• Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, called on the government to intervene for the welfare of citizens.
• Yakani questioned the sharp increase in water prices due to electricity costs and access to hard currency.

Government Intervention Needed

• With the sharp increase in water prices affecting consumers in Juba, there is a need for government intervention.
• Yakani urged the leadership at various levels to review the issue of water price hikes blamed on electricity costs.
• The access to hard currency should not create an economic burden for the residents of Juba.

Conclusion

• The spike in water prices in Juba has put a strain on consumers, with prices almost doubling in a short period.
• The reasons behind the price hike, including high production costs and the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar, have impacted the affordability of water for residents.
• Government intervention is needed to address the issue and ensure the welfare of citizens in Juba.