Fish Traders in Jonglei State Face High Taxes and Challenges

The fish traders in Jonglei State’s capital, Bor, are facing numerous challenges due to the high taxes imposed on them by the local government. These taxes are affecting their ability to grow their businesses and succeed as entrepreneurs.

The Impact of High Taxes

According to the traders, the taxes are having a detrimental impact on their ability to make a profit. One young business entrepreneur, Michael Kung Atem, expressed his concerns about the high taxes. "Last time that I came here, the government could take 50% of what I do. When the government is taking something from what I do, they need to provide some service for me so that it should protect my fish and where I stay," he stressed.

The Benefits of Selling Fish

Despite the challenges, selling fish has been beneficial for many traders. Kulang, a fish trader, said that selling fish helps him to sustain his family by paying tuition fees for himself and the children and also medication for the family in times of sickness. He also revealed that profits vary with the type and size of fish that customers want from the market.

Challenges Faced by Fish Traders

The fish traders in Bor face numerous challenges, including the lack of proper storage facilities for their fish stock, excessive taxes, and high transportation costs. Martha Majok, a trader from Juba, complained about the inaccessibility of roads that turn slippery during the rainy season. She also expressed the need for a spacious storage area for fish, citing the absence of suitable facilities and shelter.

High Transportation Costs

Jacob Mabor, a seasoned wholesale buyer, said that too many taxes and the high cost of transportation are affecting their business. "If the price of fuel is very high, everything will go up. So if you buy the fish and sell it, the money that you earn will be at a loss," Mabor disclosed.

The Need for Government Support

The fish traders are calling on the government to provide them with conducive market platforms for them to connect with their buyers at better prices. Marko Majur, the acting chairperson of the Jonglei Fishing Trader’s Union, said that the government should support the fish traders by providing them with better infrastructure and reducing the taxes imposed on them.

The Fishing Industry in Jonglei State

The fishing industry in Jonglei State is a significant contributor to the local economy. The state is home to a large and diverse freshwater ecosystem, with a wide range of fish species. The completion of the new asphalt Juba-Bor Highway has eased transportation and ushered in new opportunities, particularly in the form of the now flourishing fish business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the fish traders in Jonglei State’s capital, Bor, are facing numerous challenges due to the high taxes imposed on them by the local government. Despite these challenges, selling fish has been beneficial for many traders, providing them with a source of income and employment opportunities. The government should support the fish traders by providing them with better infrastructure and reducing the taxes imposed on them. By doing so, the fish traders can grow their businesses and contribute to the local economy.

Introduction to a New Opportunity

At least 17 young South Sudanese workers are set to travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to work, marking the country’s first ever initiative to send labor force overseas. The men, aged between 20 and 25 years, will be employed by companies as bike riders and cable pullers.

The Initiative

According to Ramsey Sagamu, the General Manager of Gaani Study Abroad, a company that helps South Sudanese seeking education and job opportunities overseas, the initiative is a result of agreements signed with overseas companies to mobilize a workforce from the country. Sagamu said that 11 of the men were cleared for the first flights on 15th and 16th April as bike riders, while the six others are still processing their documents as cable pullers to Abu Dhabi.

The Workers’ Dreams

One of the laborers, 23-year-old Chikom Moses Mayom from Warrap State, said his aim was to seek study opportunities abroad. After learning of some work opportunities, Mayom said he picked an interest in it to raise fees to attend university. "As I was looking for everything that is required to meet the requirement to study abroad, that is in Turkey, I got the opportunity of going to the Middle East to go and work, whereby I will be able to work and study at the same time," he said.

A Chance to Try New Things

Cirilo Majur Akech, 20, is a second-year student at the School of Arts and Humanity at the University of Juba. He said he welcomed the opportunity, saying it would give him the opportunity to try new things. Majur said he’s not only going to work but also study in a better environment to change the narrative at home. "I welcome this opportunity with great pleasure and honor, and really a great time for us to try a new thing. We have been trying to get the opportunity. As you can see, a lot of people are trying their way to better living, daily meals and all that," he said.

Pre-Travel Orientation

The candidates were brought together ahead of their flight for the pre-travel orientation held in Juba on Friday. Speaking during the orientation, the Director for Labor and Industrial Relations in the Ministry of Labor, Justine Jada Joseph, cautioned the candidates against misbehavior in the oil-rich Gulf kingdom. Mr. Jada encouraged the young men to bring a good reputation to the country as this would open more chances for others who would choose to come after them.

A Warning and a Word of Encouragement

Mr. Jada warned the candidates that misbehavior could block opportunities for others. "Make sure you are there to bring very good credibility first to your families, second and most importantly, to the country, and if you mess it up, then there is no other second batch coming, because they have seen what has gone wrong there and even those countries where you are going to will also communicate to others that don’t have a give a chance to South Sudanese because they will mess it up," he said.

Conclusion

The initiative to send young South Sudanese workers to the UAE is a significant step towards providing opportunities for the country’s youth. The workers are eager to start their new journey and make a positive impact. With the right mindset and behavior, they can pave the way for others to follow in their footsteps and create a brighter future for themselves and their country.

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