Hotels in Lakes State ordered to tighten guest checks amid adultery, elopement concerns
JUBA — South Sudan’s Lakes State Deputy Governor, Isaac Luka Manga, has warned hotel operators to tighten guest identification and security measures, raising concerns that poorly monitored short-term room rentals are being used for secret encounters, elopement, and excessive drinking.
Speaking to hotel managers Wednesday, Manga urged them to be more vigilant when renting rooms to guests who cannot provide proper identification, warning that the misuse of hotel facilities could fuel family disputes and create wider security concerns in the community.
He also called on hotels to curb excessive alcohol consumption, saying drunken groups can pose risks to other guests and surrounding communities.
He raised concerns over cases of adultery and elopement involving individuals who allegedly use hotels as private meeting places, warning that such incidents can contribute to family disputes and wider community tensions.
He called on hotel operators to strengthen security around their premises and avoid allowing rooms to be rented for very short periods without properly identifying and recording guests.
He stressed that hotels have an important role to play in society and should provide safe spaces for legitimate activities, including community meetings, weddings, birthdays, and other social events.
However, he urged managers to control excessive alcohol consumption on their premises, warning that groups involved in heavy drinking could create security risks for other customers and the surrounding community.
The mayor of Rumbek Municipality, Kuol Mathubier Kucdhal, also raised concerns over what he described as the misuse of hotels for secret or unauthorized short-term relationships.
He warned that disputes arising from such incidents could escalate into confrontations between families and, in some cases, lead to serious violence and murder.
Representing hotel managers, Mrs. Margaret Mjoki called on parents to take greater responsibility for monitoring their children.
She urged parents to know where their children are going when they leave home for school, church, and other activities, saying some young people allegedly mislead their parents about their whereabouts.
Mjoki also called on teachers and religious leaders to strengthen supervision and guidance during school and church activities.
She said parents, schools, churches, and hotels all have a role to play in protecting young people and preventing the misuse of hotels for activities that could expose them to harmful behavior.