Rumbek orders hotels to bar unmarried couples from booking rooms

The Mayor of Rumbek Municipal Council in Lakes State has ordered hotel managers to verify the marital status of couples before allowing them to book rooms.

Mayor Kuol Mathubier Kuchdhal says the directive is intended to prevent family disputes, communal conflict and the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Kuchdhal says the municipal council has received complaints of married women and unmarried girls being seen leaving hotels with men, sometimes leading to fights between families.

He warns that such incidents could escalate into wider communal conflicts.

The mayor also says the municipality is concerned about the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections through hotels and lodges.

Under the directive, hotel managers are required to ask customers whether they are legally married before allowing them to use rooms.

Kuchdhal says couples without marriage certificates can provide witnesses to confirm their marriage.

People who are engaged or simply in relationships will not be allowed to use hotel rooms together.

The mayor says security personnel will be deployed at hotels to help enforce the directive.

He says penalties for hotel managers who violate the order will be determined by the courts.

Mayor Kuol is also urging hotel owners to respect the cultural values of the Rumbek community and comply with the directive.