By Nakwam Rose
South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) has abolished the manual collection of fees at the Nimule weighbridge in a move to tame corruption.
In a circular dated June 9, signed by Simon Akuei Deng, the commissioner general, the ban is effective immediately for the public, transport companies, and all involved parties
The Nimule weighbridge, opened in November 2024, monitors vehicle weight to prevent road damage from overloading. Weighbridge fees are set at $40 per overweight truck and were previously collected in cash at the border.
From now on, the fees must be deposited directly into the SSRA’s Escrow Account. No one is allowed to collect cash payments until further notice, the circular noted.
The commissioner warned that violating this rule could lead to serious consequences and be considered a criminal offense.
“Any attempt to collect, solicit, or impose weighbridge fees against the SSRA system is illegal and constitutes a criminal offence under the laws of the Republic of South Sudan. Violators will face the full force of the law without exception,” the commissioner noted.
Deng specifically stated that GS Construction Company Limited, the company that built the weighbridge, is not authorized to collect any fees at Nimule or anywhere else
“Furthermore, we emphasise in the strongest terms that GS Construction Company Limited is not authorised under any circumstances to collect any weighbridge fees at Nimule or any other,” he said in the circular.
Commissioner Deng emphasized that this change is a crucial step to combat corruption and improve the country’s revenue services. He also promised that the SSRA will provide secure ways to pay.
“This measure is not only in strict adherence to the legal frame work of the Republic of South Sudan but also a decisive step towards enhancing public trust, eliminating corruption and strengthening national revenue integrity.”
He encouraged anyone witnessing unauthorized fee collection to report it to the SSRA or local law enforcement.
“If you witness or are subjected to any unauthorized fee collection, report it immediately to the SSRA or your nearest law enforcement office. Help us enforce transparency. Together, we build a just and lawful nation.” The notice read.
The SSRA is responsible for enforcing laws related to taxation and revenue as outlined in the South Sudan Revenue Authority Act of 2016.
For the fiscal year 2024/2025, applicable taxes and fees are specified in the Financial Act, which took effect on November 25, 2024.