Distillers of alcoholic spirits packed in sachets have teamed up with the police in the fight against drug and alcohol abuse by youths by donating K4.5 million (about $18 000) to the cause.
Inspector General (IG) of Police Lot Dzonzi, who received the K4.5 million cheque from Bwenzi Group managing director Raj Munnangi, said the battle against alcohol abuse requires concerted efforts.
“What these people have done goes beyond corporate and social responsibility because if they were not concerned, they would not have partnered us to fight this problem. This is an important step in the right direction and our hope is that it is sustained,†said Dzonzi.
The IG commended the distillers for working with government to tackle the problem of alcoholism because many people lack civic education on the dangers of taking alcohol.
Munnangi said they thought of partnering with police because they realise that as manufacturers, they have a social responsibility.
He said the distillers would also buy breathalysers to minimise road accidents caused by drunken drivers.
In recent years, the youth, including many below the age of 18, have been seen increasingly consuming alcohol packed in plastic sachets. To check the abuse, government has imposed a 250 percent excise duty on the product to put prices beyond reach of the youth.
