By Alan Clement
Juba County Commissioner has ordered an immediate halt to open bathing along the River Nile near Gumbo Bridge, citing concerns that the practice negatively affects the country’s national image and public order.
The directive follows a strong appeal from Paramount Chief Marino Pitia of Tokiman, who raised the alarm during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Gumbo Village Market (a Gumbo Holdings Limited project).
“As you come to Gumbo, on the right-hand side people are bathing there naked yet this is a main road, I urge you Governor and commissioner to look into this,” Chief Pitia stated.
He stressed that the practice not only undermines community values but is highly visible to commuters on the bridge, which serves as a vital gateway to the East African region.
Addressing the issue at the same ceremony, Juba County Commissioner Tete instructed the Director of Rajaf Payam to ensure the practice ceases immediately.
“This practice must stop,” the commissioner said, tasking the payam director and security organs with coordinating the enforcement of the directive.
Gumbo Bridge is a critical artery for trade and travel, linking South Sudan’s capital to regional neighbors. This move to regulate activities around the bridge is part of broader efforts to uphold public order and project a positive national image.