Shebeen owners face closure

By JOHN KOMBE CHONGWE Town Clerk, Levis Mumba has vowed to resolve the issue of shebeens to ensure sanity in the district.

Mr Mumba said the issue of shebeens needed to be investigated and addressed prudently.

He was reacting to district commissioner Frazer Musonda’s concerns about the heightening illicit activities in the district, especially shebeens.

The town clerk warned that his office would carry out thorough investigations and take appropriate steps to curb the vice. He however did not disclose the measures his office planned to undertake.

He agreed with the DCs view that shebeens posed a threat to the welfare of the young people and as such must be monitored before they got out of hand.

Mayor, Geoffrey Chumbwe concurred with Mr Mumba on this worrisome matter. He observed that such activities should not be encouraged at the expense of positive development.

"How can we develop if we have more illegal liquor stores than healthy businesses," he wondered.

Adding: “People must not come in conflict with the law. Illegal activities should have no place in our district. People must engage in activities that will spur development," he said.

He was however quick to point out that this vice may be as a result of a lack of employment, but that this was an option.

"People need a change of mindset and venture into activities which are healthy to society. They must seek avenues that will contribute to meaningful growth of the social and economic sphere of the district," he emphasised.