Bor encourages local traders’ initiatives

By Thon Philip Aleu

June 15, 2009 (BOR TOWN) – Bor County officials tasked local traders to prioritize shifting from cattle dominated economy to moderate at a hotel opening ceremony over the weekend.

Attending an official opening of White Nile Hotel – owned by a Bor trader whose capital was cattle, local leaders called on citizens to transform the cattle into money.

Makuach MP at State Assembly Maker Chol Adol and Bor County Commissioner Abraham Jok Ariing, who spoke at the over 2 thousands guest ceremony, encouraged local businessmen to avoid saving in animals but build permanent houses and shops.

Cattle, which Dinka Bor call ‘xook’ or ‘weeng,’ are a vital economic reserve deep in culture. But during the two decades civil war in the Country, pastoralists in the South served the rebels soldiers in some cases and looted in another.

With worsening insecurity in the State mainly by cattle raiders and the need to send most children to school, keeping cattle is fading. However, dowries and murdering compensation are met through cattle making it costly to drop alongside traditionalists’ love for local milk and pride enjoy by wealthy pastoralist.

The two local leaders altogether applauded the work of Gai Makor Leek – the owner of White Nile Hotel, and challenged other home traders to narrow the gap.

Mr. Makor Leek said he got his initial money after selling five (5) cattle in 2006.

Built using semi-permanent materials, White Nile Hotel offers lodging and restaurant services. A night fare per day is at 20 Sudanese Pounds (about $10 U.S); ranging among the cheapest hotels in Bor Town where some charge up to 350 Sudanese Pounds (about $125 U.S) per day.

(ST)