By Taban Gabriel
King News-30th.08.2024 The National Ministry of Trade and Industry, in partnership with Besmart company, a subsidiary of Ramciel Cooperative, launched a subsidized food auction in Juba on Friday.
King News has seen that the food commodities include Maize flour, wheat flour, rice, and Sugar.
The subsidized food initiative’s goal is to “stabilize the market, give the public access to essential food items, and close the hunger gaps,” according to the Minister of Trade Joseph Moum Majak, who was at the peak of the launch.
Minister Moum said some of the food merchandise will be distributed to the ten states and three Administrative Areas.
“Though we have challenges in reaching some States due to lack of road access, we are working hard to manage the situation before floods kick in,” Moum said
When asked about the initiative’s sustainability, Moum said his Ministry would continue to import food items to restore market prices.
“This is the commitment of the government to introduce sustainable measures. You understand things are not easy for our people,” he added.
The Minister of Trade Joseph Moum Majak speaking during the launching in Juba
The prices of the goods will be per the “prevailing market prices to measure and set up the rates.”
Minister Moum urged the public to follow and report any malpractices associated with the process “once centers and selling points are set up.”
“We want everybody to get involved and report whatever malpractice that is happening Once the centers are set,”
According to Moum, out of the 70 trucks expected by the Ministry, 45 have arrived in Juba so far, while some 26 are still on their way.
The Minister said his institution will engage the Bureau of Standards for quality assurance of the products.