Water tankers filling at the newly-built water-point in Juba. (Photo: Eye Radio).

Juba City Council said Friday it will take punitive measures against water tank drivers who violate the recent order dictating the water prices.

The directive comes after the Municipal Council set the pricing for different capacities of water containers in Juba town.

The local order issued on Monday, May 29, 2023, fixed the price of 200 litters of water between 800 to 1000 pounds for areas near filling points, and 1,500 pounds for far places.

The City Council during the week began reinforcing the order as a temporary measure regulate the water price.

Timon Wani, Public Officer at the City Council, warns that any water seller who defies the by-law shall be fined SSP.100,000, jailed, or face both.

“The decision was issued by the Juba City Council, and implementation is the responsibility of the citizen,” Wani said.

“They have to register the number plates of the water tankers selling at high price and send it to the city council.”

Wani said they will soon provide an hotline contact for the public to report any water seller violating the order.

“If any water tanker who sells water at a price other than the official price, contact us and we will seize the truck. The penalty for the driver who sells water at high price of more than 800 pounds is fine of 100 thousand and a month in prison, or both.”

The water tankers on Friday May 26, 2023, imposed new prices for different capacities of water containers allegedly to adjust to the rising cost of living – a move that angered Juba residents.

The water prices per drum was raised from SSP.1,000 to SSP.1,500.

The Nile water price was increased despite the Urban Water points refilling the tankers at the capacity of 25 drums at 3,000 pounds.