EES Government officials after visiting the Fr. Saturnino Lohure Mausoleum in Torit.[ ©Gurtong]
By Peter Lokale Nakimangole
TORIT, 04 February 2011 (Gurtong) – The move by the State Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife aims at raising revenues from the untapped potential in the state.
The State Wildlife Minister George Echom Ekeno is heading the rehabilitation of the historical sites across the state.
Ekeno told Gurtong that potential sites will be traced and documented followed by verification of their importance and economic potential.
“Among the necessary items to be put into consideration will include the record of ownership, a description of the origin, record of modifications, improvements required, details of people and events associated them as well as general information about how they can be developed”, he said.
He spoke at a recent dinner to celebrate the Southern Sudan Referendum results organised by his Ministry in collaboration with the Catholic Diocese of Torit and civil society organisations in Torit.
The minister said pertinent protection and conservation of the sites will be undertaken, adding that political efforts must be enhanced to tap the tourism resource to develop the state.
While acknowledging that the state lacks any archive, Ekeno said priority will be given to documenting resources as a guide to the revival of the tourism sector.
He said the state is endowed with enormous historical sites that need urgent attention, citing the Father Saturnino Mausoleum in the state capital Torit among others.
“My Ministry has constituted a committee that has so far visited some counties notably Ikotos and part of Torit and confirmed their potentialities”, he said.
The State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore welcomed the initiative gave a green light for the commencement of the rehabilitation of the historical sites, saying it will greatly contribute to the economic development of the state.