Gov’t sends subsidized food to Warrap State to combat high prices

JUBA – Ten trucks loaded with over 10,000 sacks of subsidized food commodities departed Juba on Thursday for Kuajok, the capital of Warrap State, in an effort to combat the high cost of living brought about by the ongoing economic crisis, the state information minister says.

Speaking to Sudan Post on Friday, William Wol Mayom said the shipment of foodstuffs, facilitated by GALDA national company, is intended to be sold at a cheaper price across Warrap State’s counties and headquarters, offering some relief to residents struggling with rising food costs.

“These assorted food items include sorghum and maize flour,” Mayom explained. “The Warrap State government contracted GALDA to subsidize the price, making them more affordable in all markets across the state. The subsidy, the additional cost normally factored into the price, will be covered by the state government and reimbursed to GALDA.”

However, the final price at which the food items will be sold won’t be fixed immediately. The Warrap State Council of Ministers will determine the final sale price after considering current market fluctuations and the exchange rate.

“The value of the dollar is constantly changing,” Mayom said. “Therefore, the council needs to establish the final price after evaluating the market price for a standard quantity, such as 50 bags of sorghum. They will then factor in the subsidy amount provided for the government-controlled food items to arrive at a final price that is accessible to the public.”

This initiative, commissioned by Warrap State Governor Kuol Muor Muor, aims to bridge the hunger gap during the rainy season, a period when food availability often dips before local produce becomes readily available in August.

“This is a temporary intervention,” Mayom concluded. “By August, we expect local harvests to be ready, alleviating the pressure on food availability in the markets. This shipment is intended to bridge that gap during the rainy season.”