Tue, 19 Sep 2017 13:21:44 +0000
By Mukosela Kasalwe
ZAMBIAN Breweries has commemorated the Global Beer Responsible Drinking Day by visiting Matero’s Kapwepwe Ward 25 in Lusaka and checking on activities being undertaken to reduce alcohol abuse.
Area councillor Mr Patrick Salubusa confirmed the visit to the ward by Zambia Breweries company officials.
Mr Salubusa together with Kapwepwe Ward interim Development Committee (WDC) welcomed the Zambian Breweries (ZB) members of staff led by corporate affairs director Ezekiel Sekele when they visited Komboni Innovation Centre (KIC).
The centre is being constructed as a skills and talent center for youths and women.
He said on Saturday, that KIC had been set up in Desai compound because out of the six compounds in the ward, Desai had a high prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse.
Mr Salubusa thanked ZB for pumping in K 115, 000 in the construction of the centre and assured the company that the centre would train youths and women in carpentry, computers, business communication and tailoring.
The civic leader, said other activities would include food production, bricklaying, metal fabrication, music and filmmaking as a way of empowering youths and women to ensure they stay away from illicit activities.
‘‘Zambian Breweries today (Saturday) commemorated the Global Beer Responsible Drinking Day through visiting Kapwepwe Ward 25 in Matero constituency and checked on activities being implemented by the area councillor as way of responding to alcohol abuse,’’ he said.
Mr Salubusa was dismayed that illicit alcohol such as junta, tujilijili, Kachasu and local brewed wine had ruined the lives of a lot of young people’s lives with some being taken to Chainama mental.
He said the new Lilanda Police Post which had been furnished with the help of ZB, would be opened on October 1 , 2017 and that his office would work with the police and the newly trained neighbourhood watch committee members to make sure that there is responsible drinking in Kapwepwe Ward.
Mr Salubusa said all illicit beer products would not be sold in the ward and that those abrogating the liquor licencing act would be dealt with.
Mr Sekele said ZB had associated itself with KIC because the company’s desire was to see productive young people and women.
He thanked the councillor for being proactive and pledged continued partnership with those with a heart for the community.
Mr Sekele said manufacturers of illicit beer products did not pay tax hence they did not add value to the development of Zambia.
And WDC chairperson, Rosemary Mwansa thanked ZB for the partnership with Kapwepwe Ward and by encouraging responsible drinking in the ward especially among young people and women now had a center to make them busy and promote their talents and skills.
