Authorities ban street food sales in Juba, impose hefty fines

JUBA – Authorities in South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State have banned the sale of food items and the operation of businesses along streets and open spaces in Juba, the capital of the world’s youngest nation.

In a statement, Juba Mayor Johnson Swaka announced the prohibition, warning violators of penalties starting at 1 million South Sudanese Pounds (SSP).

“All vendors selling food along the streets and open spaces, both day and night, in Juba City Council are completely banned,” Swaka said in an order seen by Sudans Post.

Penalties for street vending and other violations include fines of at least 1 million SSP for food vendors and businesses operating along streets.

Local breweries face fines of no less than 500,000 SSP, while non-compliance with cleanliness or painting requirements for business premises could result in fines of at least 1.5 million SSP, shop closures, or the withdrawal of trading licenses.

Shops on main roads are required to monitor waste disposal and ensure their premises are clean. Swaka also ordered all businesses to paint their establishments with designated colors.

“Local breweries are ordered to close their businesses immediately,” Swaka said. “All restaurants in marketplaces must maintain cleanliness, and those facing main streets must not litter or pour water onto the roads.”

The mayor called on city officials, public health officers, security personnel, and local councils to enforce the new regulations.

The directive is part of a broader effort to address public health and sanitation challenges in Juba, where street vending and improper waste management have become pressing concerns.