17 Sep 2023

Some residents of Gumare wants the 500 metre distance requirement for certain liquor businesses from schools, major road and churches upheld.

The residents expressed their views during a consultative meeting addressed by the Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry Ms Beauty Manake in Gumare on Thursday. The minister had shared with residents that the Ministry was in the process of reviewing the Liquor Act of 2003.

She said the Liquor Act required that liquor outlets such as bars, liquor depot and night club be situated at that given distance, even though, some people were of the view that the distance should be reduced. In addition, she said the majority wanted the requirement of putting notice the intention to open a liquor business in the Botswana gazette prior to opening the business be reviewed as they alleged that some people deliberately worked against the entrepreneurs.

She said the issue of sound pollution from the liquor businesses was also a concern to members of the public.

On other matters, the Assistant Minister said human-wildlife conflict negatively affected most business in the Okavango as such residents should suggest ways to protect their businesses.

Okavango District Council Deputy Chairman Mr Mpoke Karapo said distance from roads, schools and churches be maintained.

Regarding human-wildlife conflict, Mr Karapo said the buffalo fence which separated livestock from wild animals should be strengthened and that compensation of farmers from animal destruction be reviewed.

One resident, Mr Timothy Samoxa said the 500 meters distance was appropriate and should therefore be maintained.

Mr Samoxa said some youth displayed rowdy behaviour when drunk which was risky when liquor outlets were near roads.

With regard to human-wildlife conflict Mr Samoxa said the compensation be reviewed since it was low and called upon the Wildlife Department and National Parks to intensify patrols along the buffalo fence.

Another resident Mr Tshenyegelo Bonang said the 500 meters requirement be applied to new applications for liquor businesses.

Regarding human-wildlife conflict Mr Bonang said that during dry season boreholes be drilled for wild animals to reduce the conflict with farming.

Meanwhile, Ms Manake launched Metlhala ya Khumo and urged businesses to use the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship in different sectors of the economy.

She said people should change mindset to attain Vision 2036 and should take advantage of programmes offered by government to improve their lives. ENDS