South Sudan parliament summons 4 officials over surging water prices in Juba

JUBA – South Sudan’s parliament has summoned four senior government officials to appear before the assembly next week to address the steep rise in water prices in the capital, Juba, which has left residents frustrated.

The officials called to testify include the Minister of Water and Irrigation, the Governor of Central Equatoria State, the Mayor of Juba City Council, and the head of the Urban Water Corporation.

Lawmakers have raised concerns that the water price hikes are disproportionately affecting residents, especially in areas close to water collection points along the White Nile river.

“The parliament decided that the Minister of Water, the Governor of Central Equatoria, the Mayor of Juba City Council, and the head of the Urban Water Corporation must appear in the House next Monday to clarify this issue of water prices,” parliamentary spokesperson Oliver Mori Benjamin told journalists during a press briefing about the summons.

The decision to summon these officials comes in response to motions raised by members of parliament who have expressed growing alarm over the escalating cost of water in the city.

“Some of the water stations are located very close to residential areas, yet a barrel of water is being charged at 6,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) per drum, despite the distance from the collection point to residential areas being less than 100 meters,” Benjamin said.

“It is unimaginable, but it is happening—covering a distance of about 100 meters, a drum of water costs 6,000 SSP,” he added.

Water prices in Juba have surged dramatically in recent weeks, climbing from 2,000 SSP to between 5,000 and 7,000 SSP, depending on the location within the city.

This significant price hike has caused widespread concern among residents, prompting calls for urgent government intervention to address the situation.

The sharp increase in water prices has put additional pressure on households already struggling with the high cost of living in Juba, where access to basic services remains a critical issue.

The parliamentary inquiry aims to hold officials accountable and seek solutions to stabilize water prices and ensure equitable access to this essential resource for all residents.

The outcome of the parliamentary session, scheduled for next week, is highly anticipated as residents await answers and hope for swift action to alleviate the ongoing water crisis.