By Yiep Joseph
Central Equatoria state (CES) Chamber of Commerce has called on the government to revoke or deny licenses to companies dealing in the disastrous alcoholic spirits commonly known as ‘Jena far’.
The chamber is concerned that many youths continue to unnecessarily consume the alcoholic spirits believed to be substandard with huge health complications for the population.
Last month, the security apparatus in Central Equatoria State started a crackdown on alcoholic spirits that have been banned by Governor Gen. Augustino Jadalla Wani through an Order.
Also, the state threatened to revoke the licenses of companies and traders that continue to produce and sell it.
Juba County Commissioner, Emmanuel Tete further warned that traders violating the Order banning sales or production of dry gin risk revocation of their trading license as well as closure of business.
“All traders involved in selling alcohol should abide by the order. When we arrest any trader with any alcohol called gin, we will first take away your trading license and close your business,” Tete warned.
Despite those efforts, alcoholic spirits have remained prevalent in local markets.
In an exclusive interview with this outlet, Robert Pitia, chairperson of the CES Chamber of Commerce, lamented the state government’s failure to effectively implement its recent ban on certain alcoholic beverages.
He appealed to the government to take further measures, such as revoking or withholding licenses from companies that disregard the directives.
“We advise the government to revoke or deny licenses to companies dealing in alcoholic spirits,” he said.
“I am appealing to the government to follow through to make sure that the order of cracking down on dangerous alcoholic spirits is followed because things that are affecting the lives of our citizens are unacceptable,” he added.
Robert said due to the consumption of alcoholic spirits, there has been an alarming rise in mortality rates which have caused severe internal organ damage in many victims.
He said banning the harmful businesses within the town is of importance to public health.
He called on the government to work hand in hand with the chamber of commerce and other institutions to ensure that any company that comes to operate in the country should be guided and must prioritize the health of the people.
“There are standards to guide the companies; they should know what kind of alcohol is good for consumption,” he said.
Robert appealed to the government never to give licenses to companies without proper screening, adding that some of the companies have bad faith in trading where they prioritize profits over the health of the people.
“Let them not rush to giving license so that they are given money because at the end of the day they are looking for money, not the standard, and when they realize that later, then they will come with a decision,” he added.
He expressed good policies with strict implementation that allow companies to operate without being disturbed.
“When there are strict policies, every company will come knowing what to do,” he said.
Robert applauded the commissioner of Terekeka County for a successful crackdown on unhealthy alcohol and the toxic drugs in the area.
He called on the authorities in Juba County and the City Council as well to team up and bring an end to the dangerous alcoholic spirit and other drugs killing the youth in particular and the citizens in general.