28 Jul 2021

Government interventions such as hiking the liquor levy have proven inadequate to curb alcohol abuse, especially among young people, says Dr Edwin Dikoloti.

Speaking in Maokane on July 27, the health and wellness minister said partnerships with other stakeholders such as religious organisations were therefore necessary.

Dr Dikoloti, who was launching a Botswana Council of Churches (BCC) project aimed at addressing excessive alcohol consumption in Botswana, welcomed the initiative.

He said collaboration between government and civil society organisations in addressing societal problems such as alcohol abuse would go a long way in building better communities. 

Dr Dikoloti expressed optimism that the BCC initiative would help reduce alcohol abuse and ultimately resultant problems such as gender-based violence, one of the country’s major challenges.

He applauded the church for extending  its services to people’s health.

Acknowledging the alcohol industry’s contribution to the economy, Dr Dikoloti however said the effects of alcohol abuse could not be ignored.

“The government recognises the economic role played by the alcohol industry through its value chain, but excessive drinking of alcohol results in neglect of social responsibilities and undesirable behaviours that cause more problems for the country,” he said.

Dr Dikoloti urged attendants to continue adhering to COVID-19 regulations to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. 

He said government continued to work round the clock to ensure eligible people were vaccinated in order to bring the pandemic under control.

The audience heard that some development projects would be deferred and funds channeled towards the fight against COVID-19.

BCC general secretary Reverend Gabriel Tsuaneng explained that the initiative was a response to adverse effects of alcohol abuse on communities. 

The church, he said,  had the responsibility to intervene in situations that affected people’s behaviour.

Alcohol abuse did not only have negative financial effects but resulted in disunity and anti-social behaviour, said Reverend Tsuaneng.

He explained that the intention was to use the church as a medium  for disseminating sensitisation messages as a way of building healthy bodies and minds at the same time promoting unity compromised by the effects of alcohol abuse.

Mabutsane sub-council chairperson Mr Kgopolo Setammere-Ramosesane applauded the project for its nation moulding and peace promoting intentions. 

He noted that the initiative would also contribute in reducing road accidents caused by poor decisions resulting from alcohol abuse.

Mr Setammere-Ramosesane urged government to abolish the permissible alcohol limit for driving saying it was impossible for drivers to measure their alcohol levels. Ends