The Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State, Pauline Lukudu Obede has said the new Juba City Council leadership has a significant task of transforming Juba into a city of international standards, noting that Juba currently resembles a “modern village” compared to other countries. He urged the new mayor, Christopher Sarafino Wani Swaka, to improve these standards.

“Juba does not have the characteristics of a real city. This city looks like a modern village in some countries. The city goes to sleep at around 10pm which is not happening in other parts in the 21st century. The city with no proper drainage system; no proper infrastructure; no traffic lights. As we speak even the people living in the city most of them need transformation,” said Obede.

He cautioned against oppressing business owners or closing shops due to unpaid taxes.

“We don’t want to see the new leadership of the city council giving directives for the closing of shops if somebody fails to pay the taxes, so that we promote and strengthen the local economy by empowering the local traders. If they don’t have tax to pay today, give them opportunity to pay tomorrow don’t close their businesses because we understand the economy of the country.” he added.

Obede also stressed that collected taxes must be translated into tangible services for the people of Juba.

“Once you collect tax from the people, give service back to the people. You cannot collect tax from somebody that needs a bridge and you don’t constract the bridge where it is necessary. You cannot collect tax from somebody that needs security and you cannot provide security. The people are giving the money so that they can get the services in return.”