Traders dealing in alcoholic spirits have implored the Eastern Equatoria State government to give them till December to sell off their stock before effecting a ban on certain liquors.
Two weeks ago, the state’s council of ministers resolved to ban the selling and consumption of certain alcoholic spirits in the state saying that they spurred crime and stifled development. However, last week the local authorities backpedaled on the immediate ban and gave traders a 40-day ultimatum to dispose of their booze stocks.
Tagya Abrale, who sells alcoholic drinks in Torit town, told Radio Tamazuj that they are requesting the local government to give them until the end of the year to clear their stock.
“You see, there was a government order that banned all harmful alcohol. We are not opposing the order but as businessmen, these things (alcohol stock) were imported a long time ago, so we came here so that at least they can give us some time,” Abrale said. “At least this year so that we finish (selling) those things. If we finish those things this year, it is okay. If not, we will create another way.”
Another dealer in alcohol, Amane Kasai, welcomed the state government’s order but also begged for more time to rescue them from incurring losses.
“I have come here on the issue of alcoholic drinks. We will stand with the state government and respect the orders. The government gave us thirty days; the thirty days are not enough, we need enough time,” Kasai said. “I am working for Star Gin Company in Eastern Equatoria State and if the state issues an order like this, we will respect it and find other ways.”
The chairperson of the state’s chamber of commerce, Lilly Hidita Nartisio, insists that traders must follow the government order to save the lives of the community.
“What the government wants is a good thing for its citizens, there are a lot of businesses that the traders can embark on. If you look around, you will discover that alcohol has destroyed the children,” Hidita said. “If you ask the opinion of mothers, and I particularly as a mother even though I represent the business community, such alcohol was not there before and people were engaged in business. Whatever the government says, we have to implement.”
Responding to the concerns of the traders, the minister of trade and industry, Ruth Marius Buga, applauded the traders for not defying the order and pledged to take their concerns to the council of ministers for deliberations before giving them feedback.
“We are here to listen to you and find solutions to all the problems of the traders in the market. This decision was taken to protect the people of Eastern Equatoria but not to stop you from consuming some of the alcohol but to ban the harmful ones,” Trade minister Buga said. “So, concerning the time extension, it is not my decision alone as a minister but it is a decision of the council of ministers. I cannot say anything but I will raise your concerns. Let us continue cooperating and working together.”.