The Voice Online - Botswana

GABORONE- The steps that were taken to address alcohol abuse are yielding positive results as P108 million has already been realised from the levy that was introduced in October 2008.Addressing the nation at the start of the 10th Parliament, President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama revealed that initiatives such as the reduced hours of sale, the alcohol levy and the awareness campaigns have posted positive indications.
Since the introduction of the campaign, he said there had been a significant reduction in excessive and irresponsible drinking.
The money raised through the levy, he said, would be used for youth empowerment, education and rehabilitation of victims of alcohol abuse as the campaign was geared towards them. He highlighted that youth programmes and projects that had been identified for additional funding through the revenue raised via the levy include youth industries projects, recreation and youth centres, drama and poetry, song and dance, alcohol and substance abuse campaigns and business mentoring for young entrepreneurs.
"In this regard, 57 recreational centres will be refurbished and equipped for youth activities, 32 youth industries will be initiated and two mobile campaign trucks will be purchased for publicity on alcohol and substance abuse programmes," he said. Furthermore, the President pointed out that youth artists including drama, poetry and song as well as dance would be mobilised to engage their counterparts in character building activities.
"All these initiatives will target 250 000 youth and a provision of over P70 million will be needed for all the envisioned projects and all this will be sourced from the alcohol levy," he said.
On the implementation of the Youth Development Fund, President Khama said it was on going with an overwhelming response from the youth. As a result, he highlighted that he had directed that the current allocation of the fund be increased to double its current allocation.
"We have realised over time that the allocation for the fund is not enough and leaves many youth out," he said. The programme formerly known as Out of School Youth Programme assists young people to set up small businesses and its funding has been distributed amongst the 57 constituencies.
The President also highlighted that the creation of the department of youth, which is now a stand-alone entity, has demonstrated government's commitment towards the lives of the young people and the importance of the youth development.
"The new department is undertaking this important task within the framework of the National Youth Policy," he said.
On the issue of youth and political leadership, he said a target of close to 50 per cent of the recent specially nominated councilor positions were allocated to the youth. BOPA