Smoke billowing from Jebel Kujur quarrying blast,15.03.2023 (Photo: James Kwaje).

The commissioner of Juba County says the quarrying activities at Jebel Kujur, which sometimes terrify suburbs with deafening blasts, cannot be stopped because it is owned by senior people in the system.

Charles Joseph Wani said his administration and that of Central Equatoria State are aware of the quarrying but it is difficult for them to end it.

Mr. Wani said he has less authority to stop the quarrying activities.

“Of course I’m well aware about that one and I stopped it several times, but in my capacity as a commissioner, when something come from about also, it will be very difficult for me to stop it,” he said.

On Wednesday, an explosive blasted off the mountain slope shaking buildings, and terrifying residents in the surrounding areas.

A photo taken by Eye Radio showed white smoke rising from the top of the mountain after the blast.

“The national government has made a policy in all these mountains around the town, the stone crashes are not supposed to be there. But the thing has not come down to us as the county commissioner [commission] for implementation.”

Wani said he had discussed with the governor of Central Equatoria State on how “we can approach that situation.”