CES chairperson Chamber of Commerce Robert Pitia - Courtesy

The Chairperson of the Central Equatoria State Chamber of Commerce has criticized a sharp increase in local taxes and fees in Juba, alleging that some businesses are now being charged up to 5 million South Sudanese Pounds in garbage collection fees.

Speaking during a meeting with business representatives, Robert Pitia Francis said both local and foreign traders fear the new charges could worsen the country’s economic situation and force some businesses to close.

Pitia said some hotels that previously paid about 450,000 South Sudanese Pounds are now being asked to pay up to 5 million Pounds under the new system, raising concerns about how the fees are being calculated.

He also criticized the recent introduction of property tax, saying it was implemented without proper consultation with the business community.

“The business community has raised several concerns. First, lack of consultation and transparency. Second, the heavy economic burden on businesses. Third, the legal basis for introducing this garbage fee,” he said.

“They are asking: what is the legal basis for this fee? Because the financial year ends in July, you find that some hotels that used to pay about 450,000 are now being asked to pay up to 5 million,” he said.

Pitia said traders are already struggling with multiple taxes and charges, including trade licenses, annual service fees, town rates, rental charges, ground rent, garbage fees, and administrative fines.

According to the Chamber of Commerce, the increase in garbage collection fees was introduced before the end of the current financial year and without adequate consultation with stakeholders.