Gogrial East Commissioner bans gambling and dominoes
The Commissioner warned that any young person found loitering or gambling during work hours will be penalised.
South Sudan.- New County Commissioner for Gogrial East, William Dechak, has announced an immediate ban on dominoes and similar gambling games, citing concerns over idleness and conflict among young people. According to Dechak, the directive aims to boost youth productivity and curb behaviours hindering development in the county.
The Commissioner warned that any young person found loitering or gambling during work hours will be penalised. He added that those who defy the ban will be taken to the riverbanks to join brick-making teams, contributing to public infrastructure development through their labour.
The local response to the move has been divided. While some young people welcomed the initiative as a way to promote responsibility and deter disruptive behaviours like fighting, others worry that outlawing gambling might drive people to crime, since they depend on small wins for their livelihood.
They call on the government to prioritise creating jobs and industries rather than penalising those struggling to survive and relying on betting for small earnings.
