The cost of living has risen sharply in Jonglei State, due to rising food prices. Nhial Majak Nhial, mayor of Bor, the capital city says that bad roads and poor infrastructure has led to price hikes of goods in the markets.

“The roads are so bad and it is causing a lot of problems to us down here,” he said.  “The transportation companies spend three days on the way here or two day on the road (from Juba) to Bor and they push their transportation expenses to customers.

He also told Eye Radio that he fears Bor might be cut-off from Juba during this year’s rainy season, making it even more difficult for people to meet the rising cost of living.

“We need to get water from Juba.  We are seriously affected. Some time we can go without water when our factory does not work here. It is little bit difficult for people to afford to buy things for a living.”

Mister Nhial also said that the bad conditions of roads hinder people from access to health services, schools and service delivery.