Just another levy?
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Tobacco consumption results in lung cancer, high blood pressure, pneumonia and stroke, otherwise known as Cerebrovascular accident, whose growing incidence is adding to the list of several chronic and fatal illnesses in Botswana. Second-hand smoking has also been found to be a serious health risk, especially to non-smokers. In addition to the real and present health hazard that tobacco consumption poses, it also contributes to poor nutrition and impoverishment at family level because addicts will take - by any means necessary - the last pula to satisfy their craving. The tobacco levy comes five years after introduction of the alcohol levy which, it was announced last week, has collected P1,2 billion over the last 12 months. When it was introduced, the alcohol levy, we were told, was intended to curb alcohol consumption and abuse by making it difficult for people to access the toxic beverages.
However, it has turned out that the excessive - even extortionate - alcohol prices have not acted as a deterrent as had been hoped. As a matter of fact, all indications are that the situation has worsened.
These roads, which are vital conduits for trade and tourism, have long been in dire need of repair. However, while this development is undoubtedly a positive step, it also raises questions about broader issues of infrastructural management and road safety that deserve closer scrutiny.The A3 and A33 roads are not just any roads, they are critical arteries that connect Botswana to its neighbours and facilitate the movement of goods and people...