New Jebel Iraq Market Boosts Trade in Lainya County

(LAINYA / JUBA) – The Commissioner of Lainya County in South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State says the establishment of a new local market center in Jebel Iraq village of Ganji Payam, Juba County, has boosted agribusiness and trade activities between the two neighboring counties.

Commissioner Robert Lasu noted that the market has improved local trade and enhanced the delivery of basic social services in the region.

He urged farmers and youth to prioritize agriculture as a sustainable source of livelihood, saying it is key to reducing poverty and dependency on humanitarian assistance.

“Nowadays, traders have discovered a new market in Jebel Iraq along the Lainya–Juba road. There are many people there, and our traders are transporting food items from Lainya to sell at the Jebel Iraq market. If you look along the road, boda-boda riders are moving day and night carrying food items. This is a good opportunity for farmers because the more they cultivate, the higher the demand, since there is now an available market,” Lasu said.

However, the commissioner cited poor road infrastructure as a major challenge affecting the transportation of farm produce, goods, and the movement of people between Lainya and Juba counties.

“Last year, our people cultivated massively, but the main challenge we face is the poor road network. Some farmers are cultivating in remote villages without road access, making it difficult to transport goods to market areas. I believe they will continue to cultivate this year,” he added.

Jebel Iraq is located in Ganji Payam of Juba County. Local residents and traders say the area is also rich in gold deposits, but illegal gold mining activities remain widespread.