Food prices soar over roadblocks

Food prices in Marka town have skyrocketed as a result of increasing number of roadblocks mounted by armed gun men who impose levies on vehicles transporting foodstuff to the market, residents say.

Reports say for last two days the traders and drivers of trucks have downed their tools complaining about the increased illegal checkpoints.

“We are so concerned over the dire situation in areas; the price of basic items have shot up dramatically.” said one of the residents in Marka town.

Some of the drivers operating the road connecting the town to the parts of the region told Goobjoog News that they always spend a lot of money on illegal roadblocks to save their lives.

“We have lots of problem with these illegal checkpoints in Lower Shabelle region because we cannot afford the amount of money we are forced to pay; the money we pay to each roadblock is 10 US dollars,” said one of the drivers.

Drivers have complained repeatedly about the illegal roadblocks that have been setup by the militias.

The traders and drivers have several times called on the federal government to take immediate action of removing the illegal checkpoints in the region.

Armed men with SNA uniform set up roadblocks to demand cash from drivers who constantly use the busy main highway connecting the Lower Shabelle region.

According to local sources, more than 20 roadblocks have been setup in the Lower Shabelle region.

The federal government carried out several operations to remove the illegal roadblocks set by the men dressed in military uniform but no change was so far felt according the owners and the drivers.