The ban on alcohol inthe Southern Highland Province has fueled an illegal alcohol trade, and it’s lucrative.
Youths inthe province smuggle alcohol intothe capital Mendi and even resort to homebrew (pictured).They said it will only stop ifthe ban is lifted.
The consumption of alcohol in Mendi is rarely seen inthe town area butthe public market it is a daily occurrence.
Youths selling and consuming alcohol. It is been sold in coke 500ml container for K20.00. Alsothere is increase in homebrew and marijuana consumption.
Alcohols are being smuggled in from neighboring areas intothe province. This shows thatthe ban imposed last year is having little impact. Petty crime is also onthe rise and it is a concern for women in that area.
There hasn’t been any report of alcohol related deaths butthe hospital has seen an increase in alcohol related incidents.
Town Manager Steven Temo is doing his best to controlthe sale of alcohol inthe province. Bet he said a collective effort from everyone is needed to address this issue.
Mickey Kavera, National EMTV News
https://youtube.com/watch?v=6RNBey99ep0%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
