Korwel Kuai was speaking during his reception into office on Tuesday, 5/12/2023|Photo by Madrama James

The Chairperson of the Council of Bureau of Standards is urging the national government to build laboratories and procure standard equipment to strengthen the institution to execute its mandate of safeguarding the health of the citizens.

Kurowel Kuai Kurowelwho was appointed on November 18, 2023, raised concerns about what he said alarming influx of imported sub-standard commercial products into the country.

According to him, edible and non-edible products have for years been brought into the country without meeting acceptable safety thresholds as required by the International Organizations for Standards [ISO], the World Trade Organization as well as Sanitary and Physio-Sanitary [SPS] Measures.

Kuai described this as a very serious matter with grave consequences and a national security threat as far as the health of citizens is concerned.

“Oftentimes, and for records, these products come to our markets without meeting acceptable safety thresholds as required by the International Organization for Standard [ISO], World Trade Organization, and Sanitary and Physio-sanitary [SPS] Measures.

“This is a very serious matter of grave consequences; it is a national security threat as far as the health of our people is of significant concern, he said during his welcoming ceremony at the South Sudan National Bureau of Standard headquarters in Juba earlier today.

 Kuai appealed for adequate financial resources to build laboratories that provide a safe working environment for its staff and clients in the country.

“We are operating in a rented property. This is not even conducive for staff and clients. There is a need to build an SSNBS Headquarters that provides a conducive atmosphere and safety of our important laboratory assets and equipment,” he added.