The Juba County Commissioner has issued an order restricting the use of residential plots for commercial purposes, saying this is intended to prevent unauthorized leasing to ‘investors.’

Commissioner Stephen Wani Michael says anybody who wants to convert a residential plot into a commercial one must seek permission from the county authorities, UN Radio Miraya reported.

He cited the example of residential plots being turned into hotels.

“If you want to convert your residential plot into investment you must seek for permission,” the commissioner said on Radio Miraya. He warned that the penalty for violating the order could be a fine of 2500 pounds or even confiscation of the land.

This comes after a group of elders meeting in Juba last week passed a resolution that called for action against land-grabbing in Juba. The elders committee also recommended further study of the federalist system of governance.

Juba County is one of six counties of Central Equatoria State.

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