White Nile Traders Strike Over Fees Amid Port Sudan Water Crisis

• Traders in White Nile state launched a two-day strike over rising fees imposed on commercial activity.
• The strike achieved 100 per cent participation, with traders demanding review of new charges.
• Port Sudan is facing a severe water shortage and power cuts lasting over 20 hours a day.
• Residents have faced water shortages for five years, with prices surging in recent times.

'The strike achieved 100 per cent participation, with traders demanding that the locality review the new charges.' - Trader Awad El Tom

A severe water shortage has gripped Port Sudan, leaving residents with few alternatives as temperatures soar along the Red Sea coast. The crisis is compounded by power cuts lasting over 20 hours a day, forcing households to rely on expensive solar systems and fuel-powered generators. Hashim Taher Bilal, a resident of Sallab, attributed the water shortage to poor distribution despite adequate production, accusing water distributors of exploiting the situation. He noted that residents have faced water shortages for five years, with prices surging in recent times. The Red Alert for the heatwave remains in force until Thursday, with health authorities urging residents to take precautions against the extreme temperatures.

In a related development, traders in Ed Duweim, White Nile state, launched a two-day strike on Tuesday in protest against rising fees imposed on commercial activity. The strike achieved 100 per cent participation, with traders demanding that the locality review the new charges. Trader Awad El Tom criticised the number of fees and financial demands imposed by the locality, calling for transparent collection procedures and dialogue between local authorities and the Chamber of Commerce. He also highlighted the unsustainable financial burden placed on businesses by the new fees, which would ultimately push up prices of goods and services.

The traders' strike in White Nile state may have far-reaching consequences for businesses operating in the region. Lawyers advising companies in the area should be aware of the potential impact on supply chains and prices due to the strike, which could lead to increased costs for goods and services. The strike is a manifestation of the broader challenges facing Port Sudan, including the water crisis and power cuts, which are affecting commercial activity and daily life.

Lawyers advising businesses in White Nile state should be aware of the potential impact on supply chains and prices due to the ongoing traders' strike, which may lead to increased costs for goods and services.

Source: Original reporting via Radio Dabanga