Council bans illicit ‘Kachasu” beer business

Isoka District Council in Muchinga province has banned the brewing of locally made bear commonly known as Kachasu.

Council Secretary Martine Mutale told ZANIS today that his office has received disturbing reports about the people taking the illicit beer.

Mr Mutale said it was time the Kachasu brewers were arrested and charged for providing illicit alcohol to the general public.

He observed that young people who are supposed to be using their energies on productive activities they instead waste time on beer drinking.

He lamented that his council has put sanitation issues top on the agenda but pulled down by some individual such as the Kachasu beer brewers.

Mr Mutale stressed that Kachasu and wines are illegal and people should abide by the law or face its wrath if found wanting.

He also warned the consumers of the beer that they risk being prosecuted as they take a substance that is not legally supplied to people.

And Isoka District Commissioner Joe Siwila has urged Isoka residents to concentrate on farming this farming season than taking too much beer at the expense of production.

Major Siwila revealed that some people start drinking as early as 05:00 hours and by 08:00 hours they are already intoxicated.

He said his office is in full support of the Councils move to ban the trade of illicit beer.

He said council’s instructions to open bars at 10:00 hours and closed at 22:00 hours was a good move and need to be obliged by the public.

Major Siwila has also advised women who are fond of drinking beer at the expense of keeping their homes better that they should spend their energies on income generating ventures.