‘JUNTA’ GIVING ALCOHOL INDUSTRY BAD NAME - ZB

By KELVIN SIABANA ZAMBIAN Breweries (ZB) says the cane spirit popularly known as ‘junta is giving the alcohol industry a bad name.

The company said it is concerned about the alarming levels of some young people in the country drinking junta which was denting the image of the alcohol industry.

ZB corporate affairs director, Ezekiel Sekele said the situation on the ground was worrying because some youths and citizens had resorted to abusing the highly intoxicating Junta as it was cheaply sourced and was readily available in various parts of the country.

Mr Sekele said instead of being productive some youths had resorted to abusing alcohol especially Junta which was destroying their lives.

He said Junta was bad because of its high alcoholic percentage which ranged between 25 percent to more than 40 percent and therefore harming the people drinking it.

Mr Sekele said for a small 250ml bottle junta costs K5 or less and the bigger 750ml bottle costs K30 or less which he said was affordable but dangerous to most youths health wise.

The corporate affairs director said Zambian Breweries promotes responsible drinking by discouraging underage drinking through different sensitisation and education programmes to make the young people become better citizens.

It is surprising Mr Sekeke said to note that companies had continued producing junta, in unknown parts of the country without anyone properly knowing where these cane spirits companies are located.

"Zambian Breweries is eager to fight the issue of Junta production in the country, because Junta has brought the name of the alcohol industry into disrepute," Mr Sekele said.

He said Junta was bad for the wellbeing of the country because it has made some young people lose social morals due to the negative impact which Junta has in their lives.

Mr Sekele said the brewery company cares about the people of Zambia so has taken measures to produce some alcoholic beverages that are affordable to discourage the young people and others from drinking Junta.

Zambian Breweries has been producing Eagle lager, Mr Sekele said in order for Zambians to get beer at an affordable price.

A 375ml bottle costs K4.50ngwee and a 750ml is at K6 because the company is interested in people drinking responsibly and maintaining a healthy life style.