Juba County has issued a local order for regulating investment activities in residential areas within the county.

The move comes amidst reports that some residential plot owners have turned into commercial facilities without approval from the authorities.

Commissioner Stephen Wani says the order is meant to re-organize settlement in the capital.

“As a county, we have come up with a local order that, if you want to convert your residential plot to investment, then you need to apply through your Payam administration and then the approval will be in the county headquarters,” Mr Wani told Eye Radio.

He said residents of Juba County must follow legal procedures and obtain permission from concerned authorities before they could give their land to investors.

“It is not that we don’t want people to go into investment, but there is no need for you to convert a plot that has been leased to you as a residence into investment,” he added.

“Otherwise, we can confiscate your plot and give it to somebody who is ready to build a residence.”

A Legal expert on land issues in South Sudan, James El- Taib Jazz, seconded the order.

“We cannot fill the whole city with hotels and lodges in residential areas,” he said.

The Commissioner of Juba County, Stephen Wani, says the order, which was issued on Wednesday should be respected by all the residents of Juba County.

He added that anyone who violates this order will be punished.