By Yiep Joseph
The mayor of Rumbek town, Kuol Mathubier, has directed hotel owners and managers to restrict unmarried couples and children from using their facilities for short stays.
In an exclusive interview with No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, the mayor urged hotel operators across Rumbek to comply with the directive and take greater responsibility for how their premises are used.
He said that the move is intended to protect families and preserve traditional values.
Mathubier stated that the decision followed a meeting involving local authorities, who agreed that hotels should not be used for activities they consider harmful to the moral standards of the community.
He said the authorities were concerned about unmarried couples renting rooms for what he described as “fun” and other activities that could encourage behaviour considered immoral by the community.
“This was a decision reached by the authorities in one of our meetings and has to be respected by all the hotels,” Mathubier said.
The mayor warned that hotels that fail to comply with the order could face punishment.
However, he did not specify the nature of the penalties or explain the legal procedures that would be followed against businesses found violating the directive.
Mathubier said hotels have a responsibility that goes beyond providing accommodation to guests. In his view, businesses operating in the town should also respect the cultural expectations of the communities where they operate.
“Our traditional values must be respected; unfortunately, young people and those who are not married are misusing hotels. This order will stop that practice,” he said.
He revealed that his office and the state in general will deploy security personnel to crack down on such activities.
The mayor said that the decision would reduce cases of diseases that are related to immorality, like sexually transmitted diseases.
Mathubier urged hotel owners and managers to cooperate with local authorities, saying the preservation of community values requires participation from businesses as well as families and community leaders.
He maintained that the restrictions were part of a broader effort by the town administration to promote conduct that is consistent with Rumbek’s cultural expectations.
The mayor’s announcement is likely to generate debate over the role of local authorities in regulating private businesses and adult relationships, as well as the balance between cultural values and individual freedoms.
For now, hotel operators in Rumbek have been warned that the town administration expects them to follow the directive, with possible sanctions awaiting those who fail to comply.
The directive comes amid wider concerns among some South Sudanese community leaders about changing social behaviour, particularly among young people living in rapidly growing urban centres.
Rumbek, the capital of Lakes State, has a predominantly traditional social structure. Chiefs, elders, and other community leaders continue to play an important role in addressing social concerns and promoting cultural practices.
At the same time, the town’s hospitality sector has expanded, with hotels and guesthouses providing accommodation for residents, visitors, traders, government officials, and business travellers.
The growth of the hotel industry has also generated concerns among some community members over how hotel rooms and entertainment facilities are used.
Some leaders have called for stronger controls over businesses they believe could contribute to the erosion of traditional values.