The transport fare for passenger boats commuting between Bor town in Jonglei State and Lakes State’s Minkaman area has been increased by 1,000 SSP, a union official said.

Elijah Thongbor Abraham, the Secretary-General of the Jonglei Boats’ Union, told Radio Tamazuj that they increased the fare from 2,000 to 3,000 SSP per passenger due to the high cost of fuel since last week.

“Now a jerrycan of fuel cost us 17,500 SSP for one trip. So, we have to increase the fare from Bor to Mingakaman to 3,000 SSP,” he said.

The union official pointed out that the increase will help them meet the cost incurred as they provide transportation services, but passengers decried the hike.

“We want the boat fare dropped to 2,000 SSP. Now that they increase it, what will those who have no money do?” Garang Achiek, a passenger asked.

Another passenger, Mabor Yuol, urged the boat owners to reconsider their decision, saying those who regularly go to Lakes State are the vulnerable people whose livelihoods have been destroyed by the floods.

Garang Goc, an activist in Bor, called on the government to intervene by regulating the boat fares, saying such hikes will negatively affect the locals.