More than Rwf60 million worth of substandard alcoholic beverages have been destroyed in Gicumbi District as authorities intensify efforts to remove illicit alcohol from communities and protect public health.
Residents have been urged to report anyone still storing or selling the prohibited beverages so that authorities can identify and remove remaining stocks.
The latest operation follows the destruction of substandard alcohol worth more than Rwf23 million in Byumba Sector.
Gicumbi District Mayor Emmanuel Nzabonimpa commended residents for providing information that has helped authorities identify and seize the prohibited drinks.
He said the district is also continuing awareness campaigns on the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, particularly its impact on household welfare.
“Residents have shown willingness to expose the dangers of these drinks and have also directed us to places where they were being found. Some of what we recovered was not surrendered voluntarily by the sellers, while other traders understood the dangers of these beverages,” Nzabonimpa said.
According to the mayor, about 28,000 bottles of illicit alcohol worth Rwf39 million have been destroyed in the district, while additional beverages manufactured by an unauthorised factory, valued at Rwf25 million, were also seized.
Residents said the consumption of substandard alcohol had affected their communities, citing its impact on family relationships and household finances.
One resident said excessive drinking can affect young people’s ability to make responsible decisions and plan for their future.
Another resident described the apparent effects of prolonged alcohol consumption, saying some users appear significantly older than their actual age.
Authorities are calling on residents to continue providing information about remaining stocks of illicit alcohol as the campaign to remove substandard beverages from the market continues.
