The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmond Yakani, has called on Juba’s new city leadership to urgently address the widespread problem of random tax collections and improve the city’s deteriorating sanitation standards.
In a public statement welcoming the newly appointed Juba City Mayor and deputy mayors, Yakani said residents are burdened by “multiple and unorganized taxes” collected by various groups, including some law enforcement officers, without proper accountability or reflection in public services.
“We have seen double taxing in Juba City. Taxes are being collected randomly and not reflected in services. Citizens are disturbed by unorganized taxation that increases the cost of living,” Yakani said.
He particularly raised concern over traffic police officers allegedly collecting money from water truck drivers, describing it as a form of extortion that inflates prices of basic services and discourages lawful business operations.
Yakani urged the new mayor to discipline officers involved in such practices and establish a clear reporting system for citizens to hold corrupt officials accountable.
“Traffic police officers are collecting money illegally. Some of them even take kickbacks. This needs the mayor’s urgent attention,” he added.
The activist also criticized the poor state of cleanliness and infrastructure in the capital despite the high levels of tax collection, saying Juba’s appearance does not reflect the revenue being generated.
“Juba is so dirty while taxes continue to be collected. We urge the new leadership to ensure our taxes are translated into visible services, clean streets, repaired potholes, and proper waste management,” Yakani said.
He further appealed to the city’s environmental authorities to adopt a climate-smart plan that promotes sustainable urban management and a healthier living environment.
Yakani concluded by expressing CEPO’s readiness to work with the new city administration in promoting accountability, transparency, and service delivery for the residents of Juba.
“We are ready to pay taxes if they are translated into services. Let Juba become a city of prosperity, not over-taxation,” he emphasized.
The call comes in the wake of last week’s decree by Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony, who made sweeping leadership changes in the Juba City Council. The governor relieved former Mayor Johnson Swaka Ngisak and his deputies from their duties and appointed Christopher Sarafino Wani Swaka as the new Mayor of Juba.
The new city leadership team includes Jenifer Yabu Lasuba as Deputy Mayor for Administration and Finance, Lual Joseph Deng for Social Services, and Stephen Lomude Martin for Environment and Waste Management.
Former Mayor Johnson Swaka Ngisak has since been assigned as Senior Technical Advisor at the State Ministry of Local Government.
