(JUBA) – The Governor of Central Equatoria State has issued a series of orders following the recent fire that destroyed parts of Custom Market in Juba. The new measures include the formation of an investigation committee, the re-organisation of markets in the city and the formal placement of Gudele Town Block under the authority of Juba City Council.
The fire at Custom Market, which is one of the busiest trading centres in the capital, has raised concern among traders and residents. Many businesses in the area handle goods valued in millions of South Sudanese Pounds. For context, the current market exchange rate places one United States Dollar at about 7,100 South Sudanese Pounds.
To look into the cause of the fire, the Governor has formed an ad committee chaired by the State Minister of Trade and Industry. The Deputy Mayor for Social Services will serve as deputy chairperson, while the chairperson of the Central Equatoria State Trade Union will act as secretary.
Other members include a legal adviser from the state government secretariat, representatives from the State Police Service, the National Security Service and the Counter Intelligence Directorate.
The committee has been tasked to investigate the cause of the fire, propose recommendations and, when necessary, include up to two technical experts. Its report is expected to reach the Governor’s office within two weeks.
In addition to the investigation, the Governor has directed the State Ministry of Trade and Industry, the State Ministry of Housing, Lands and Public Utilities, and the authorities of Juba City Council and Juba County to carry out the required steps to implement the orders.
One of the major decisions announced is the re organisation of all markets in Juba so that they operate in permanent structures. This is intended to improve safety and reduce the risk of similar incidents.
The Governor also ordered the creation of the Gudele Town Block under the authority of Juba City Council. The State Ministry of Local Government and the Law Enforcement Agency have been instructed to separate Gudele from the Muniki Block and to draw clear boundaries for the areas that fall under payams, bomas, quarters and blocks in both rural and urban councils.
The orders took effect on Tuesday, 2 December 2025.
Governor Issues Orders After Market Destruction
| Key Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Custom Market, Juba City Council, Juba County |
| Main Action | Governor forms committee to investigate the fire and orders re organisation of all Juba markets into permanent structures |
| Committee Chair | Minister of Trade and Industry |
| Other Committee Members | Deputy Mayor for Social Services, CES Trade Union Chair, State Legal Adviser, Police Service Representative, National Security Service Representative, Counter Intelligence Representative |
| Committee Tasks | Investigate fire cause, propose way forward, include up to two technical experts, submit report within two weeks |
| Market Reorganisation | All markets in Juba to be placed in permanent structures |
| Gudele Town Block Changes | Gudele separated from Muniki Block and placed under Juba City Council authority |
| Boundary Instructions | State Ministry of Local Government to draw clear boundaries for payams, bomas, quarters and blocks |
| Effective Date | Tuesday, 2 December 2025 |
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