Civic leaders in Kapiri Mposhi district have raised concern over the increased number of tavern operators openly selling locally brewed beer commonly known as kachasu.
The civic leaders says they are especially disturbed that the prohibited locally brewed beer is being stocked and openly consumed in drinking places contrary to authorised liquor licenses.
Recently, a team of council public health and police officers seized five drums of kachasu from some bars in Turn–off area during the routine liquor license inspections and observance of trading hours.
During the First Ordinary Council Meeting Chang’ondo Ward councilor, Elizabeth Nachinsambwe stressed the need for intensified inspection in communities to curb the brewing of kachasu which she says is finding its way in local taverns legally designated as beer drinking places in the rural parts of the district.
The Ministry of Local Government has pledged to assist Kapiri Mposhi Town Council with resources to complete the construction of a Council hotel whose works has delayed.
Local Government Permanent Secretary, Ed Chomba says his Ministry will consider providing support through grants-in lieu of rates, rates paid by government institutions like schools and health centres to the council, to facilitate completion of the remaining works at the hotel whose completion has delayed due to lack of resources.
Speaking in Kapiri Mposhi recently, Bishop Chomba observed that once operational the hotel will prove to be a viable income earner for the local authority and enhance its service provision to the people in the district.