Govt splurges boodles from alcohol levy

Staff Writer | Wednesday December 22, 2010 00:00

A press release issued yesterday says the levy, which has raised nearly P300 million, has been transferred from the Ministry of Trade and Industry to the Ministry of Health.

The highest winner in the category of NGOs is Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (BOCONGO), which has pocketed over P9 million for offering to engage in public education, public rallies, role modelling and networking.

The Maun-based Women Against Rape Trust (WAR) has pocketed approximately P3.8 million to conduct studies on alcohol and gender-based violence, raise awareness on alcohol-induced gender-based violence, and to strengthen support structures that respond to gender-based violence.

Sedibelo Choir in Mochudi has attracted P700, 000 to host alcohol abuse workshops for other choirs, choir festivals on alcohol and drug abuse themes and drama competitions on alcohol and drug abuse. Moremogolo Extension Theatre has pocketed P500, 000.

In the category of government departments, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture was awarded P160 million to establish a youth development fund for youth businesses and industries, to purchase mobile campaign vehicles, and to build youth recreation centres, among others.

The Botswana Police Service has received P7.7 million for road safety campaigns while the Department of Public Health has pocketed P8.1 million for road shows and promotion of good health.

Mmeanwhile, the Minister of Trade and Industry has admitted that the introduction of the levy has not had any impact on drinking patterns in the country. Dorcas Makgato-Malesu recently said people continued to drink but had resorted to elicit brews that may be even more dangerous to their health.