By Sabri Dibaco
The Bor Municipal Council has ordered the Drivers Union and all transport operators using the Bor-Juba Car Park to vacate the premises within seven days to pave the way for commercial development.
The directive was issued by the Deputy Mayor for Land and Physical Infrastructure of Bor Municipality, William Gatchak Ruch, in a letter addressed to the Chairperson of the Drivers Union.
The order stated that the land occupied by the bus park has been approved for commercial development, including the construction of shops, as part of the Municipal Council’s urban development and revenue enhancement programme.
“This serves as an official order directing the Drivers Union and all transport operators using the Bor-Juba Car Park to vacate the premises within seven days from the date of this order,” the letter partly read.
According to the deputy mayor, the relocation is necessary to allow the council’s planned commercial development to proceed.
“The Municipal Council has approved the allocation of this land for commercial development, including the construction of shops as part of the council’s urban development and revenue enhancement programme,” William Gatchak Ruch said in the letter.
The municipal authority further directed that the area be cleared to allow construction activities to begin without delay.
“Therefore, the area must be cleared to enable the construction to commence without delay,” the letter stated.
The order came amid growing concerns and disagreement between the municipal authorities and transport operators over the future of the Bor-Juba Car Park.
The Drivers Union has reportedly raised concerns about being moved to an alternative location, arguing that the proposed area has already been allocated to other individuals.
“The drivers’ union are not refusing to leave the Bor bus park. They want a location where they can go and operate, a location that has no conflict. This is reasonable,” Bol said.
Jonglei Civil Society Network Chairperson Bol Deng Bol expressed concern that the dispute could escalate if the drivers are forcibly removed without an agreed alternative location.
Bol Deng Bol called on the Bor Municipal Council to suspend the seven-day ultimatum and engage the Drivers Union in dialogue to identify a suitable and undisputed location for transport operations.
The dispute has raised concerns over possible disruption to transportation services in Bor and across Jonglei State if an agreement is not reached between the authorities and transport operators.
“We are very much aware of the potential for conflict that is here, and if it is not addressed amicably, it can escalate. That escalation will not be good for the stability of not only Marol Market but the entire Bor town,” Deng stated.
The group said it was waiting for action from Bor Municipal Council, urging authorities to resolve the dispute peacefully before it develops into a wider confrontation.
The Bor-Juba Bus Park dispute comes amid broader concerns over land allocation, commercial development, and the management of public spaces in Bor town.