Juba Mayor Johnson Swaka oversees eviction of vendors from roadsides at Custom Market on Thursday. (-)

The Mayor of Juba Johnson Swaka Nishak has directed the removal street vendors selling on wheelbarrows and encroaching on the main road at Custom Market in a week-long “public order crackdown” to organize the city.

Mr. Swaka inspected Custom Market on Friday, where he deployed police officers to evict roadside sellers allegedly creating heavy traffic and littering the streets with plastic bags.

The mayor – speaking on state television SSBC – said he is concerned about the way in which street vendors do business. He said the vendors activities have led to traffic congestion, road disorganization, and rubbish accumulation in undesignated areas.

Mr. Swaka directed vendors to cease encroaching on road sides or face the confiscation and demolition of their businesses.

He stated that the initiative aims to enhance cleanliness, ease traffic flow, and ensure proper use of public spaces in Juba.

“We will continue with the public order crackdown and we are certain that within seven days, you will not notice any negative manifestations of public order such as water, dirt, or road obstructions by street vendors,” he said.

“We have many things that we want to do and I appeal to citizens to adhere to public order and the law.”

The city mayor urged the residents to cooperate with the council’s efforts to transform the city into a more organized and livable environment.