By Sabri Dibaco
South Sudan Revenue Authority officials at the Nimule border and Mombasa have reassured the public and business community that trade and cargo movement are proceeding smoothly.
The officials dismissed the recent reports claiming that hundreds of trucks were stranded at the Malaba border.
Officials acknowledged that minor delays had occurred due to issues with the electronic payment system, but they emphasized that these challenges have been resolved and cargo movement is ongoing.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizen Newspaper, Bolis Makir Assistant Commissioner in Mombasa said the trucks are moving as usual at the border.
He cited that there has been smooth movement of trucks across the borders.
Bolis clarified that the claims of stranded trucks are exaggerated and do not reflect the current situation on the ground.
He emphasized that while there have been delays linked to new tax enforcement measures, the situation is being managed and does not amount to the scale being reported.
“We had situation of the electronic payment which was resolved and now the trucks are moving without any problem, some trucks that left Mombasa I spoke to them this afternoon they said they are already at the Nimule border” Bolis said.
He reiterates government commitment to ensure smooth movement of trucks between the borders.
Bolis expressed that the revenue officials remain committed to ensure that goods move smoothly without difficulties.
The respond from Revenue officials followed after a media report which was indicating that over 500 trucks were stranded at the Kenyan border Malaba due to a new policy payment of e-permit taxes.
On his part Malith Jocab Apui, the Assistant Commissioner at Nimule Border said officials are monitoring cargo movement from Mombasa.
He added that there has been no complain or report of stranded trucks as reported.
“Concerning the 500 trucks in Malaba we have not received any information or complain because our trucks are moving freely,” Jocab said.
He insisted that clearance processes are ongoing and that coordination between border points, including Malaba and Mombasa, have improved.
Jacob noted that trucks are moving without any problem.
The Assistant Commissioners reassured the general public that the government is working to ease the movement of goods and prevent further disruption, especially for essential commodities.
They called for calm among business owners citing that they should follow the official communication and avoid spreading unverified stories that can create panic in the public.