By Alan Clement
In an effort to address rising concerns over traffic congestion and public safety, Abyei Municipality has initiated a relocation plan for traders to the new site.
According to the press unit for Abyei Administrative Area, the initiative, spearheaded by the municipality’s leadership, is anchored in Administrative Order No. (9) 2025, which authorizes the relocation of informal market activities to a newly designated temporary site in Nyinkuc.
“This campaign is in accordance with Administrative Order No. 9 of 2025, where a temporary site was allocated to gather sellers in the popular market to practice their commercial activities,” said Municipality Executive Director Mr. Dut Piok Amour in a statement.
It primarily focussed on the removal of the informal market known as “Delala” located in the outskirts of the Mulmul neighbourhood, also known as Mulmul Market and the Abyei-Jongyom corridor which has become a major source of traffic jams and road hazards.
The leadership team emphasized the need for decisive action in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents while also streamlining the flow of traffic through key areas of the municipality.
According to Executive Director Mr. Dut Piok, the decision was made to provide vendors with a designated space where they can continue their commercial activities without disrupting traffic or posing safety risks to pedestrians and motorists.
“The new market site in Nyinkuc will serve as a central location for sellers to conduct their businesses in a more organized manner. This initiative is not about forcefully relocating traders, but rather about creating a safer and more structured environment for all,” explained Mr. Piok in a statement.
According to the Administrative Area’s press unit, prior to the relocation, the municipal leadership organized an awareness session with local traders to explain the reasons behind the move to highlight the importance of improving public safety and the need to reduce the chaotic situation caused by the informal market.
The campaign leaders reassured the traders that their commercial activities would continue at the new site and that this change is a part of a broader effort to upgrade the city’s infrastructure.
The Delala market, which was previously set up haphazardly along busy streets, has been criticized for creating traffic bottlenecks and posing significant dangers to both pedestrians and drivers with goods and vegetables were often displayed on the streets, further increasing the likelihood of accidents.
The temporary market site in Nyinkuc is expected to offer a more structured environment for vendors, with municipal support aimed at ensuring a smooth transition. Authorities reiterated that the campaign is part of a broader urban development strategy to promote sustainable commerce and reduce informal practices that hinder city planning.
As the campaign continues, the municipality plans to monitor the progress and ensure that the new market space functions efficiently, helping to eliminate the risks posed by the previous setup.
This initiative, along with other ongoing urban development projects, aims to enhance the overall quality of life in Abyei while addressing the growing concerns of traffic, public safety, and urban planning.