By Peter Kuol
The Jonglei State Minister for Livestock and Fisheries has called for improved infrastructures to ease fish-trading activities across Jonglei State.
Speaking during the visit of Dr. Riek Gai Kok at Fish market at Leu-diet in Bor on Wednesday, Hon, Hellen Akech, the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries emphasized that the fish traders are facing lack of adequate shelters and accessible roads to improve trading activities across Jonglei State.
Hon. Hellen noted that fish retailers and customers need stalls to provide conducive environment for the fish business in Jonglei.
“This fish is enough to feed the whole of South Sudan, not only Jonglei. But with better facilities, we can reach other countries,” Hellen Said.
She appealed to the State leadership and the Partners to support fish business with shelters that can provide adequate shade and create conducive business environment.
Meanwhile, speaking while addressing the gathering, Dr. Riek Gai Kok, the governor of Jonglei State emphasized how the fish business has boosted economy for the middle class citizens and Country revenue collections.
“Your collaboration with traders from other counties demonstrates that peace is taking root and business is thriving,” Dr. Riek said.
Dr. Riek also noted that the inter-community fish trade portrays a sign of peace among the communities in Jonglei State and urged the fish traders to embrace peace and unity through the Business activities.
However, while speaking during the gathering, Majier Jongkuach, the Chairperson of Fisheries Union in Jonglei State raised concerns over high taxes and multiple Checkpoints facing Fish Business activities in Jonglei State.
“High taxes and multiple checkpoints along trade routes burden the traders, I am urging the state government to ease the burden on traders while maintaining fair taxation.’’ Majier said.
Mr. Majier appealed to state leadership and national revenue authority to regulate the high taxes and checkpoints in order preserve Fish Business and strengthen economic growth in the Country.
Dr. Riek Gai was accompanied by the Chief administrator of Greater Pibor Gola Boyoi and other government officials upon his visit to Leu-diet fish Market to assess the fishing activities at the site.