By Lodu William Odiya
The Juba City Council has issued a seven-day ultimatum to vehicle owners who have abandoned their cars along streets in the capital, ordering them to remove the vehicles or face legal action.
Addressing journalists during a press conference at the council headquarter on Friday, Juba City Mayor Christopher Sarefino Wani Swaka expressed concern over the growing number of broken-down and unused vehicles left on major roads and residential streets across Juba.
“We are giving 7 days for the car owners who abandoned their vehicle along the street to remove them” he said.
According to the Mayor, these abandoned vehicles are obstructing traffic, contributing to congestion, and posing safety and environmental risks.
The council warned that any vehicle not removed within seven days will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Officials also noted that failure to comply may result in additional penalties, including fines and possible confiscation.
In the same directive, the city authorities cautioned roadside garage operators against conducting repair works along public roads.
Mayor Sarefino instructed garage owners to relocate their operations away from road reserves and residential streets, stating that mechanical activities on roadsides have contributed to traffic disruption, oil spills, and increased accident risks.
“We are committed to restoring order and ensuring that our roads remain accessible and safe for all residents, garage along the road side is prohibited” he said in its statement.
Residents have long complained about the increasing number of unroadworthy vehicles left unattended for months, some stripped of parts and others turning into dumping sites.
According to the mayor such practices not only affect the city’s appearance but also hinder emergency services and pedestrian movement.
He said the move is part of broader efforts to enforce urban regulations and improve cleanliness, road safety, and environmental protection in the capital.
Car owners and garage operators are therefore urged to comply with the directive within the stipulated timeframe to avoid enforcement measures.
He underscored the Juba city council as an institution is working hard to make sure the city is kept clean and green through their waste management project.
“Work hard to change the image of the institution and beautify Juba city in terms of waste management” he stressed.
He emphasized that for the last 120 days in the office, his administration has been committed in making sure that waste was disposed at least 60-65 trips per day.
The mayor added that his administration also decided to temporarily stop the outdoor advertisement like billboards within Juba City.