BAIA Calls For Relaxed Alcohol Levy
Monday, August 27, 2018
One of the key industry players, the Botswana Alcohol Industry (BAIA) met with representatives from the Ministry of Health and Wellness for their input. Led by their chairperson, Mothusi Molokomme, they called on the government to reduce the alcohol levy or scrap it altogether.
“The levy had brought more problems than solutions. It does not deter people from drinking alcohol. Instead they spend more money on alcohol or resort to cheaper options and drugs,” Molokomme said. The business community said the levy has also made people to smuggle in spirits from across the border. “This had totally killed business for us.
The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...