By Sabri Dibaco
Central Equatoria State Caretaker Governor Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani has directed the Juba City mayor and the Juba County commissioner to assess fire risks in residential areas and markets, intensify cleaning campaigns, and designate specific locations for weekly markets to address roadside vending.
The directives were issued on Tuesday during the weekly State Security Committee meeting chaired by Jadalla to review security and public safety across the state.
According to a statement from the Central Equatoria State Governor’s Press Unit, the feasibility studies will focus on risks posed by houses built around Korok Hill and the use of uncertified electrical connections in residential areas.
The caretaker, Juba County Commissioner, and the caretaker mayor of Juba City Council were tasked with examining the risks and identifying appropriate measures to reduce fire outbreaks in residential areas and markets.
The statement said the assessment would help authorities determine measures needed to protect residents and their property from potential fire hazards.
The meeting also directed the two officials to continue cleaning campaigns in Juba City and Juba County as part of efforts to improve sanitation and maintain cleaner public spaces.
Authorities were further instructed to open roads occupied by roadside vendors to improve road safety and ease movement for motorists and pedestrians.
The committee also called for designated weekly market locations to accommodate vendors while the state government works with relevant authorities to find permanent solutions to roadside trading.
“The Caretaker Mayor of Juba City Council and Caretaker Juba County Commissioner were further directed to allocate designated places for weekly markets where vendors can sell their goods and avoid selling along road sidewalks,” the statement said.
The proposed arrangement is intended to provide vendors with alternative places to conduct business while allowing authorities to clear roadways and sidewalks.
The statement did not identify the proposed market locations or specify when the feasibility studies and new market arrangements would be completed.
The security meeting brought together heads of security agencies, relevant caretaker ministers, the caretaker mayor of Juba City Council, and the Juba County Commissioner.
Beyond sanitation and fire prevention, the committee directed security forces to conduct regular patrols across Juba and other parts of Central Equatoria State to address criminal activities, including bag-snatching and harassment by gangs locally known as “Torontos.”
The committee also called for greater cooperation between residents and security agencies in reporting and addressing crime.
The directives come as state authorities seek to address public safety concerns, improve urban cleanliness, and manage roadside trading in Juba through designated market spaces and continued coordination among government and security institutions.